In a move that surprised many, Joey Bosa has chosen to take a pay cut to stay with the Los Angeles Chargers, dispelling a slew of offseason trade rumors and salary cap concerns. The famed linebacker, who still had two years remaining on his five-year, $135 million contract extension signed in 2020, restructured his deal in March, securing his spot on the Chargers' roster for the upcoming season.
Restructured Contract
Bosa's willingness to adjust his contract in favor of the team's financial flexibility is a testament to his commitment. Amidst speculation that he might be cut or traded due to the Chargers' salary cap issues, Bosa agreed to a restructured contract that guarantees him an $8 million base salary for this season. Notably, there is no guaranteed money for Bosa in 2025, which hints that this year might be his final season in Los Angeles.
Despite the financial adjustments, Bosa has made it clear that his desire is to retire as a Charger. "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," he remarked.
Focus on Winning
Bosa's primary focus now is on contributing to the team's success and winning football games. "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money," he stated. His commitment to the team's success and his relationship with teammate Khalil Mack are driving forces behind his decision to stay. "I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]," Bosa added.
Bosa's dedication to the team has not gone unnoticed. As one of the team's key leaders, his performance and attitude will be pivotal for the Chargers this season. Last year, he demonstrated his capabilities with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 win over the Jets. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that Bosa can help lead the team to victory.
Overcoming Injuries
The past two seasons have been particularly 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. To add to that, his offseason included surgery on his finger for a separate injury.
Despite these setbacks, Bosa remains optimistic about his physical condition. "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 also expressed a newfound confidence in his body and performance. "It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago. I've said I've been feeling great the last couple years. It's the real deal this time, but obviously anything can happen. It's fun, feeling really confident in your body and being able to perform."
Looking Ahead
As Bosa looks forward to the upcoming season, he's eager to prove himself in training camp and on the field. One matchup he is particularly looking forward to is against rookie Joe Alt. "I'm going to need to beat him up a little bit in camp so he's ready," Bosa eagerly remarked. "We'll see in a few weeks, when I lay a helmet on his chin, how he holds up." Bosa's competitive spirit and leadership are expected to be a driving force for the Chargers this year.
Joey Bosa's decision to take a pay cut underscores his commitment to the Chargers and emphasizes his priorities. As the Chargers gear up for the season, all eyes will be on Bosa, hopeful that his leadership and skills will help lead the team to success. "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 optimistically concluded.
Indeed, Bosa's dedication and resilience will be crucial as the Chargers aim for an impressive season ahead.