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 signed in 2020. However, he opted to restructure his deal in March, taking a pay cut to stay with the Chargers. This decision has reshaped the team's financial landscape as they look forward to an important season.
Bosa Restructures Contract
Given the salary cap issues, Bosa was viewed as a potential cut or trade candidate. To mitigate this, Bosa adjusted his contract, ensuring an $8 million guaranteed base salary for this season. However, the new arrangement doesn't include any guaranteed money for Bosa in 2025, which could potentially make this year his final season in Los Angeles. Despite these uncertainties, Bosa emphasized his desire to stay with the Chargers, expressing interest in playing for one team throughout his entire career.
"I always thought of myself as 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.
Focus on Winning
With financial aspects settled, Bosa’s primary focus now is on winning games. He wants to contribute to the team's success and play alongside teammate Khalil Mack, highlighting his priorities for the upcoming season. "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money," Bosa remarked.
Bosa’s leadership and skillset will be pivotal for the Chargers this year. Last season, he demonstrated his capabilities with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 win over the Jets. Fans and teammates will be watching closely, hopeful that Bosa can help lead the team to victory.
Overcoming Injuries
The past two seasons have been challenging for Bosa due to various injuries. He missed significant time with hamstring, foot, and toe injuries. His 2022 season was cut short after spraining his foot in Week 11, and his injury recovery included offseason surgery on his finger for a separate injury.
However, Bosa is feeling optimistic about his physical condition as he heads into this 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 noted.
Bosa's confidence in both his body and performance is evident as he looks forward to training camp and matchups against rookie Joe Alt. "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," Bosa shared.
His optimism and determination reflect a player ready to give his all for the team. "It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago," Bosa added.
Looking Ahead
As Bosa gears up for the upcoming season, his commitment to the Chargers is clear. "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 believes that with the right effort and focus, the Chargers have a great opportunity ahead. "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 concluded.
Bosa's decision to take a pay cut underscores his commitment to the Chargers, reflecting his dedication to the team's success over personal gain. As the season unfolds, fans and teammates alike will be looking to Bosa to help lead the team to victory, hopeful that his resilience and determination will make a significant impact on the field.