Joey Bosa Takes Pay Cut to Stay with Chargers Amid Speculation
In a move that underscores his dedication to the team, Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa has opted to take a significant pay cut to remain with the Los Angeles Chargers this season. After facing a whirlwind of offseason trade rumors and intense salary cap concerns, Bosa's commitment to the Chargers has been nothing short of exemplary.
Contract Restructuring
Bosa had two years remaining on a lucrative five-year, $135 million contract extension he signed back in 2020. Nevertheless, in March, Bosa chose to restructure this deal, securing an $8 million guaranteed base salary for the upcoming season. This adjustment helped alleviate some of the Chargers' salary cap issues and signaled Bosa's desire to stay put amidst speculation that he might be cut or traded.
The restructuring does come with a concession: there is no guaranteed money for Bosa in 2025. The 2023 season might, therefore, mark his final year in Los Angeles. Despite this uncertainty, Bosa emphasized his intention to remain with the Chargers for as long as possible.
Desire to Remain a One-Team Player
Bosa has expressed repeatedly his interest in playing for just one team throughout his career. "I always thought of myself as somebody who will play here and retire here, which I think not many people do on one team, and I think it would be a cool thing to accomplish," Bosa said. However, he maintains a realistic outlook, adding, "but you never know. I'm going to worry about this year first."
At this point in his career, Bosa is primarily focused on winning games. “Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money,” he shared. For Bosa, the team's success is paramount, and being able to compete alongside his teammate Khalil Mack is an integral part of his motivation.
Injury Challenges and Optimism
The past two seasons have been particularly challenging for Bosa, marred by a series of injuries including hamstring, foot, and toe issues. His 2022 season was cut short following a foot sprain in Week 11. Reflecting on his injury struggles, Bosa commented, "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."
Bosa underwent offseason surgery to address a separate finger injury, and he now feels more optimistic about his physical condition going into the new season. He noted, "It’s nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago." Bosa expressed confidence in both his body and performance, stating, "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."
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for training camp and looks forward to matchups against rookie Joe Alt, Bosa's leadership and skill set are expected to play a pivotal role for the Chargers this year. Bosa remains eager to push his limits and set an example for younger players. Reflecting on his summer training, Bosa humorously mentioned, "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."
Last season, Bosa demonstrated his capabilities on the field, achieving 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 victory over the Jets. His contributions will be crucial as the Chargers aim to make a deep playoff run.
Commitment to Success
Joey Bosa's decision to take a pay cut highlights his unwavering commitment to the Chargers. His focus remains on contributing to the team's success, winning games, and sharing the field with teammates like Khalil Mack. With an optimistic outlook on both his physical health and performance, Bosa is gearing up for what could be a defining season in his career.
Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, hopeful that Bosa can help lead the team to victory. His dedication and leadership will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping the Chargers' season and potential future success.
Bosa summed up his approach to the future succinctly: "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."