Joey Bosa Takes Pay Cut to Stay with Chargers Amid Speculation
Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa has made the surprising decision to remain with the team this season despite a whirlwind of offseason trade rumors and salary cap concerns. With two years remaining on a five-year, $135 million contract extension signed in 2020, Bosa opted to restructure his deal in March, taking a pay cut to stay with the Chargers.
Restructuring Contract Amid Salary Cap Concerns
Given the salary cap issues, Bosa was viewed as a potential cut or trade candidate. However, he adjusted his contract, ensuring himself an $8 million guaranteed base salary for this season while leaving no guaranteed money for 2025. This restructuring could mark Bosa's final season in Los Angeles, though he has emphasized his strong desire to stay with the Chargers and possibly complete his career with the team.
"I always thought of myself as somebody that will play here and retire here, which I think not many people do on one team," Bosa said. "I think it would be a cool thing to accomplish, but you never know. I'm going to worry about this year first."
Focus on Winning
Bosa's decision to take a pay cut underscores his commitment to the Chargers, with his primary focus now on winning games. He has expressed interest in contributing to the team's success and playing alongside teammate Khalil Mack. His attitude demonstrates his priorities as he looks forward to the upcoming season.
"Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money," Bosa stated. "I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]."
Overcoming Injuries
The past two seasons have been challenging for Bosa due to various injuries, including hamstring, foot, and toe issues. His 2022 season was cut short after he sprained his foot in Week 11. Bosa's injury recovery included offseason surgery on his finger for a separate injury.
Despite these setbacks, Bosa is feeling optimistic about his physical condition. "My foot's feeling great. Toe's good. The hamstring's good," Bosa said. "There was a list of things last year, my hand, so all those things are good."
Bosa feels better going into this year than he has in past years, expressing confidence both in his body and performance. "It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago," he remarked.
"I've said I've been feeling great the last couple years. It's the real deal this time, but obviously anything can happen," Bosa noted. "But it's fun, feeling really confident in your body and being able to perform."
Looking Ahead to the Season
As Bosa prepares for the upcoming season, he is looking forward to training camp and matchups against rookie Joe Alt. Last season, Bosa demonstrated his capabilities with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 win over the Jets. His leadership and skillset will be pivotal for the Chargers this year.
"We'll see in a few weeks, when I lay a helmet on his chin, how he holds up," Bosa said, showcasing his competitive spirit and focus on mentoring younger teammates.
Commitment to the Team
Joey Bosa's decision to take a pay cut highlights his dedication to the Chargers. Fans and teammates will be watching closely, hopeful that Bosa can help lead the team to victory.
"So I think we have a great opportunity here," Bosa said. "And who knows, maybe I'll have a great year this year, and then things can change down the road."
In conclusion, Joey Bosa's commitment to the Chargers, overcoming injuries, and focus on winning provide a solid foundation for an exciting and promising season ahead. His leadership, coupled with his optimism about his physical condition, sets a positive tone for the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead.