BREAKING NEWS: Chargers Release 5-Time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa in Cost-Cutting Move Ahead of Free Agency .giang

The Chargers released Joey Bosa on Monday, and while the news might come as a surprise to fans, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini says NFL teams were informed the move would be happening a few days ago.

The news officially broke from the team’s account on X, but the way it was framed it seemed like it could have been either a joke or a hack. Instead, once you click the link included, it turns out the release was very real.

Bosa was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was the last player who was a member of the San Diego iteration of the franchise who was still with the team.

Bosa was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year after tallying 10.5 sacks in his first season. He is consistently one of the most disruptive players on defense, and he should have his pick of where he will sign in his first experience as a free agent.

Bosa has been named a Pro Bowler five times so far in his career. He leaves the Chargers with the second-most sacks (72) in franchise history.

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Why did Chargers release Joey Bosa?

Bosa’s contract was due a big payday in 2025. By releasing him when they did, Los Angeles is saving a reported $25.36 million. Obviously, losing Bosa will be a hefty blow to the team’s defensive line, but the freed-up money will allow them to address other needs and have more flexibility when free agency starts.

Injury concerns are also an issue in Bosa’s release, as he’s been limited to 28 games the past three seasons because of various ailments, including a groin tear, right foot sprain, and back injury.

Putting it all together, it’s clear that L.A. is hoping to find either a cheaper pass-rushing alternative or a healthier one — if not both. With Khalil Mack also slated to hit the free agent market, the Chargers will certainly have a new-look defense next season one way or another. For a team that ranked tied for sixth in sacks last year (46), it’s imperative L.A. finds a way to replace that production.

Because Bosa was released, he is free to sign with a new team whenever he wants. He doesn’t have to wait for the start of the new league year, so a new team could look to move quickly and make a splash signing. Many people want him to join his brother in San Francisco to create one of the most dangerous defensive lines in the league.

Joey Bosa age

Bosa was born on July 11, 1995. He is 29, but he will turn 30 before the start of the 2025 regular season. He is on the older side of his playing career, but if he can stay healthy, he should have a few good seasons left in the tank.

Joey Bosa injury history

If Bosa had been fully healthy in his career, he would have played 148 games to this point. He has suited up for 107. Bosa missed four games as a rookie, nine in 2018, four in 2020, one in 2021, 12 in 2022, eight in 2023, and three last season.

Here is a look at Bosa’s NFL injury history, per Draft Sharks.

Joey Bosa stats

• 107 games
• 93 starts
• 343 combined tackles
• 87 tackles for loss
• 156 QB hits
• 72 sacks
• 17 forced fumbles

Bosa was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016, and he made the Pro Bowl in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024. Bosa’s career high for sacks was 12.5 in 2017. He has four seasons of double-digit sacks, but his last one came in 2021. Because of his injury history, Bosa only has 14 sacks over the 28 games that he has played in the past three years.