Joey Bosa Takes Pay Cut to Stay with Chargers Amid Speculation
Amidst a flurry of offseason trade rumors and salary cap concerns, Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa has chosen to remain with the team this season. Although Bosa had two years left on a five-year, $135 million contract extension he signed in 2020, he opted to restructure his deal in March, taking a significant pay cut to secure his place on the team.
Restructuring the Deal
Given the salary cap issues facing the Chargers, Bosa was considered a potential cut or trade candidate. However, by adjusting his contract, he ensured an $8 million guaranteed base salary for this season. It is important to note that Bosa has no guaranteed money for the 2025 season, and this year may very well be his final one in Los Angeles.
Commitment to the Team and Teammates
Bosa emphasized his desire to stay with the Chargers, expressing an interest in playing for a single team throughout his entire career—a rare accomplishment in today's NFL. "I always thought of myself as somebody that will play here and retire here, which I think not many people do on one team, and I think it would be cool to accomplish. But you never know. I'm going to worry about this year first," Bosa remarked.
His primary focus now is on winning games and contributing to the team's success. Bosa is particularly enthusiastic about playing alongside his teammate Khalil Mack, saying, "I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]."
Overcoming Challenges
The past two seasons have been challenging for Bosa due to various injuries. He missed significant time with hamstring, foot, and toe injuries, and his 2022 season was cut short after he sprained his foot in Week 11. Moreover, his injury recovery included offseason surgery on his finger for a separate injury.
Despite these setbacks, Bosa is feeling optimistic about his physical condition heading into the new season. "My foot's feeling great. Toe's good. The hamstring's good. I mean, there was a list of things last year, my hand, so all those things are good," Bosa shared. "It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago."
Looking Forward to the Season
Bosa's leadership and skill set will be pivotal for the Chargers this year. Last season, he demonstrated his capabilities with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 win over the Jets. Now fully recovered, Bosa is confident in both his body and performance as he prepares for training camp and upcoming matchups, including one against rookie Joe Alt. "I'm going to need to beat him up a little bit in camp so he's ready," Bosa joked. "We'll see in a few weeks when I lay a helmet on his chin how he holds up."
A Season of Hope
Joey Bosa's decision to take a pay cut underscores his commitment to the Chargers. It reflects his priorities, as he puts the team's success above personal financial gain. "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money," Bosa stated, showing true dedication to the game and his teammates.
As fans and teammates watch his journey closely, there is a collective hope that Bosa can help lead the team to victory. His focus and optimism bring a sense of hope to the Chargers' campaign this season. "I think we have a great opportunity here, and who knows, maybe I'll have a great year this year, and then things can change down the road," Bosa concluded.
Ultimately, Joey Bosa's unwavering dedication and resilience will be instrumental as the Chargers look to build on their strengths and aim for success in the upcoming season.