NFL Insiders: Joey Bosa 'Likely' to be Cut by Chargers; Set to Make $25.36M in 2025

Five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa is expected to become a free agent for the first time in his career this offseason.

Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, people he talk to believe Bosa is "likely" to be cut by the Los Angeles Chargers at some point before his $12.36 million roster bonus has to be paid out in March.

Bosa is owed $25.36 million between his base salary and roster bonus in 2025. This is the second consecutive offseason in which the 29-year-old has been the subject of cut rumors.

Graziano did note there remains a possibility the Chargers attempt to bring Bosa back, especially with Khalil Mack set to become a free agent, but it would seemingly have to be at a lower cost.

The Chargers do have plenty of cap flexibility to make almost any move they want. Their projected cap space is $63.4 million, fifth-most in the NFL, per Over the Cap. Rashawn Slater could take up a chunk of that money since he is extension-eligible this offseason before entering the final season of his rookie contract in 2025.

After the Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh as their head coach in February 2024, there was some thought he would look to clean house by getting rid of veteran players on expensive contracts signed by the previous regime.

Instead, the Chargers were able to keep Bosa and Mack by getting them to sign restructured contracts. Bosa's deal saw him take a pay cut from $22 million to $15 million, but he kept his fully guaranteed salary and could earn an additional $4 million in sack incentives.

Bosa wasn't back in his prime form last season, though he did have a relatively healthy year for the first time since 2021. He played 14 games, recording 13 quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and five sacks.

Given how effective the Chargers defense was last season—they allowed the fewest points per game in the NFL—it wouldn't be a surprise if they try to keep most of the group together for one more year. But they also should look to get younger off the edge with Bosa set to turn 30 on July 11 and not being as physically durable as he was at the peak of his career.