Joey Bosa Enters Free Agency: A Look at Potential Suitors

After nine seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, star edge rusher Joey Bosa is set to embark on a new chapter in his NFL career. The Chargers released Bosa on Wednesday, a move that created a significant $25.36 million in salary cap space for the team. This decision leaves the Chargers with an impressive $90.69 million in cap space for the 2025 NFL season, ranking them third-highest in the league according to OverTheCap.com.

Bosa’s departure marks the end of an era in Los Angeles. Drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the Chargers’ defense. His impact was immediate, earning him the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. Throughout his tenure with the Chargers, Bosa consistently displayed his exceptional pass-rushing abilities, earning five Pro Bowl selections and accumulating an impressive 72 sacks in 107 games.

However, Bosa’s career hasn’t been without its challenges. In recent seasons, he has struggled with injuries, limiting his playing time to just 28 of a possible 51 regular-season games over the past three years. As he approaches his 30th birthday in July, questions arise about his long-term durability and potential to secure another lucrative, long-term contract. Despite these concerns, Bosa’s proven track record of high-end pass-rushing production ensures that he will be a highly sought-after commodity in free agency. Several teams are expected to express interest in acquiring his services to bolster their pass rush.

Here’s a breakdown of potential landing spots for Joey Bosa:

San Francisco 49ers: The prospect of Joey Bosa teaming up with his younger brother, Nick Bosa, on the San Francisco 49ers presents an intriguing scenario. The 49ers already possess a formidable pass rush anchored by Nick Bosa, but adding his brother could elevate their defense to another level. Last season, San Francisco found a quality complement to Nick Bosa in Leonard Floyd, who recorded 8.5 sacks. However, Floyd is set to turn 33 in September, potentially opening the door for Joey Bosa to step in. A rotation of Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, and Leonard Floyd could keep all three players fresh and healthy, providing the 49ers with a consistent and potent pass-rushing attack. This addition could prove crucial as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season and make a deeper run in the playoffs.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals are in desperate need of bolstering their pass rush after the retirement of Sam Hubbard. While Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks with an impressive 17.5 last season, the Bengals lacked consistent production from other players. No other Bengal had more than five sacks, highlighting the team’s need for another reliable pass rusher. Joey Bosa would be an immediate upgrade to the Bengals’ defensive front and would fill the void left by Hubbard. His addition would significantly raise the ceiling of Cincinnati’s pass rush and provide opposing offenses with a more formidable challenge. Furthermore, Bosa has a personal connection to the team, having been a former college teammate of Hubbard.

Chicago Bears: The Chicago Bears have a considerable amount of cap space, with $50.35 million available, enabling them to pursue top-tier free agents. While Montez Sweat led the Bears in sacks last season with 5.5, the team needs to add another high-end pass rusher to take some pressure off Sweat and create more opportunities for him to get to the quarterback. Joey Bosa would undoubtedly draw attention from opposing offensive lines, creating more one-on-one matchups for Sweat. With Bosa on one side and Sweat on the other, the Bears could create a disruptive and fearsome pass-rushing duo.

Washington Commanders: The Washington Commanders are facing a potential void in their pass rush, as Dante Fowler, who enjoyed a career-best season with 10.5 sacks in 2024, is set to become a free agent. While the Commanders should prioritize re-signing Fowler, they should also explore alternative options, such as pursuing Joey Bosa. The Commanders have a healthy $64.29 million in cap space, giving them the financial flexibility to potentially sign both Fowler and Bosa. Adding both players would give the Commanders one of the most formidable pass-rushing units in the league. Even if they can’t retain Fowler, Bosa would be a logical and impactful replacement.

Las Vegas Raiders: The Las Vegas Raiders have already invested heavily in their pass rush by making Maxx Crosby the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. However, they need to find a consistent partner for Crosby, as Malcolm Koonce is set to become a free agent. Adding Joey Bosa to the Raiders’ defensive line would create a fearsome duo alongside Crosby, giving opposing offenses nightmares. The presence of both Bosa and Crosby would also buy the Raiders extra time to develop Tyree Wilson, their 2023 first-round pick, who has shown flashes of potential but needs more time to refine his skills.

Philadelphia Eagles: Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ general manager, has a well-deserved reputation for prioritizing talent in the trenches. The Eagles could use some additional depth on the edge, especially with Brandon Graham potentially heading for retirement and Josh Sweat set to be a free agent. Joey Bosa would be a strong replacement option for Sweat, and may even be a more cost-effective option given Sweat’s strong performance in Super Bowl 59. Bringing Bosa to Philadelphia would not only bolster their pass rush but also provide valuable experience and leadership to a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

The teams listed above represent just a few of the potential suitors for Joey Bosa in free agency. As one of the most talented pass rushers in the league, Bosa will undoubtedly have a wide range of options. His decision will likely depend on a combination of factors, including financial considerations, the opportunity to compete for a championship, and the overall fit within a team’s defensive scheme. Regardless of where he lands, Joey Bosa is poised to make an immediate impact on his new team and continue his career as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers.