The Los Angeles Chargers have a couple of huge decisions to make on the defensive line before the new league year begins next month. Khalil Mack is set to become an unrestricted free agent after spending the last three years in Los Angeles.
The Chargers want to re-sign Mack, but the ball is in his court. At the same time, Los Angeles must figure out what to do with Joey Bosa. The veteran pass rusher could be a possible cut candidate this offseason as he has a ridiculous $36.4 cap number, which includes a $12.36M roster bonus due next month.
However, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday that he believes it's “realistic” the team can keep Bosa despite his high cap number.
Los Angeles Would Love for Joey Bosa to Retire as a Charger
“I know he wants to retire a charger. .. I'd love for him to retire a Charger. I love Joey -- the teammate, the competitor,” Hortiz said (h/t ESPN’s Kris Rhim).
Joe Hortiz said he feels it's realistic for the Chargers to keep Joey Bosa at his $36.4 million cap number.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) February 25, 2025
"I know he wants to retire a charger. .. I'd love for him to retire a Charger. I love Joey -- the teammate, the competitor."
As you can imagine, the Chargers fanbase wasn’t enthusiastic about Hortiz’s answer as the veteran defensive lineman had an okay 2024 season. Bosa racked up 22 combined tackles, 19 quarterback pressures, 13 QB hits, five tackles for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.
It was the first time Bosa played double-digit games since 2021 (16 games) as he only played in a total of 14 games in 2022 and '23 due to injury.
For a pass rusher that had a $26.1 million cap number in 2024, fans likely expected more from Bosa. The veteran defender has spent his nine-year career with the Chargers after the team drafted him with the third overall pick in 2016.
The Chargers are projected to have $70.4 million in cap space, which shouldn't affect Bosa's spot. However, if the Chargers want to add more playmakers at WR and elsewhere on defense, they might have to re-consider their plans with Bosa.