Joey Bosa Takes Pay Cut to Stay with Chargers Amid Speculation
Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa has decided to remain with the team this season, despite a whirlwind of offseason trade rumors and salary cap concerns. Bosa had two years remaining on a five-year, $135 million contract extension he signed in 2020. However, in March, Bosa opted to restructure his deal, taking a pay cut to stay with the Chargers.
Restructuring for the Team
Given the salary cap issues, Bosa was viewed as a potential cut or trade candidate. To address these concerns, Bosa adjusted his contract, ensuring an $8 million guaranteed base salary for this season. However, there is no guaranteed money for Bosa in 2025, making this year potentially his final season in Los Angeles.
Bosa has emphasized his desire to stay with the Chargers and expressed interest in playing for one team throughout his entire career. "I always thought of myself as somebody who would play here and retire here, which not many people do with one team. I think it would be a cool thing to accomplish, but you never know. I'm going to worry about this year first," Bosa said.
Focus on Winning
For Bosa, winning football games is the top priority. "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money. I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]," he emphasized.
Bosa is looking forward to contributing to the team's success and playing alongside teammate Khalil Mack. His attitude demonstrates his commitment to the Chargers as he looks forward to the upcoming season. The last two seasons have been challenging for Bosa due to various injuries, including significant time missed with hamstring, foot, and toe injuries.
Overcoming Injuries
Bosa's 2022 season was cut short after he sprained his foot in Week 11. His injury recovery included offseason surgery on his finger for a separate injury. Despite these setbacks, Bosa is feeling optimistic about his physical condition this year. "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. It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago," he explained.
Looking Ahead
Bosa is confident in both his body and performance, expressing excitement for training camp and matchups against rookie Joe Alt. 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 skill set will be pivotal for the Chargers this year.
Joey Bosa's decision to take a pay cut highlights his commitment to the Chargers, and fans and teammates will be watching closely, hopeful that Bosa can help lead the team to victory. "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," Bosa noted.
Quotes from Bosa
Reflecting on his goals and physical health, Bosa shared some insights:
- "I always thought of myself as somebody who would play here and retire here, which not many people do with one team, and I think it would be a cool thing to accomplish, but you never know. I'm going to worry about this year first."
- "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money."
- "I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]."
- "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."
- "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."
- "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."
- "I'm going to need to beat him up a little bit in camp so he's ready."
- "We'll see in a few weeks, when I lay a helmet on his chin, how he holds up."
As Bosa fully commits to making the most of this season, the Chargers, their fans, and his teammates are hopeful that his dedication and improved physical health will translate into a successful season on the field.