Joey Bosa Takes Pay Cut to Stay with Chargers Amid Speculation
In a significant move that caught many by surprise, Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa has decided to remain with the team this season. This decision comes despite a whirlwind of offseason trade rumors and rampant speculation surrounding the Chargers' salary cap concerns.
Bosa, who had two years remaining on a five-year, $135 million contract extension signed in 2020, opted to restructure his deal in March, taking a pay cut to stay with the Chargers. The financial restructuring ensures an $8 million guaranteed base salary for this season, but there is no guaranteed money for Bosa in 2025. With the team's salary cap issues, many had viewed Bosa as a potential cut or trade candidate, making his decision to stay all the more significant.
Commitment and Focus
Bosa has made it clear that his primary focus is on the Chargers' success. He has expressed a strong desire to remain with the team, emphasizing his interest in playing for one franchise throughout his entire career. "I always thought of myself being somebody that will play here and retire here, which I think not many people do on one team, and I think would be a cool thing to accomplish, but you never know. I'm going to worry about this year first," Bosa stated.
Winning games is Bosa's top priority. "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money," he said. This attitude demonstrates his dedication and priorities as he looks forward to the upcoming season. His commitment to contributing to the team's success and playing alongside teammate Khalil Mack is evident in his words and actions. "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 a series of injuries. He missed significant time with hamstring, foot, and toe injuries, and his 2022 season was cut short after spraining his foot in Week 11. His injury recovery included offseason surgery on his finger for a separate injury. Despite these setbacks, Bosa remains 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," he shared.
Bosa feels better going into this year than he has in past years. "It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago," he said. His confidence in both his body and performance is high, which bodes well for the Chargers as they prepare for the season ahead. "I've said I've been feeling great the last couple years. It's the real deal this time, but obviously anything can happen, but it's fun, feeling really confident in your body and being able to perform."
Looking Ahead
As the Chargers head into training camp, Bosa is looking forward to the competition and camaraderie. He mentioned his anticipation for matchups against rookie Joe Alt, highlighting his readiness to mentor and challenge his teammates. "I'm going to need to beat him up a little bit in camp so he's ready," Bosa remarked with a grin. "We'll see in a few weeks, when I lay a helmet on his chin, how he holds up."
Last season, Bosa showcased his capabilities with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 win over the Jets. His leadership and skillset will be pivotal for the Chargers this year, and fans are hopeful that Bosa can help lead the team to victory. Bosa's decision to take a pay cut underscores his commitment to the Chargers and his teammates. "So 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," he said optimistically.
While this year might mark Bosa's final season in Los Angeles, his presence and impact on the team are undeniable. Both fans and teammates will be watching closely, hopeful that Bosa can deliver on his promise and help the Chargers achieve success.