After surprisingly making the playoffs in the first year of the Jim Harbaugh era, the Los Angeles Chargers are expected to be one of the busier teams this offseason as they look to improve in 2021.
One of the Chargers’ most pressing needs this offseason is finding a veteran wide receiver to pair with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. In addition to needing to address the receiver spot, the Chargers must figure out what they will do on the defensive line.
Veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month and isn’t guaranteed to return to Los Angeles next season. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Mack is expected to have a “robust open market.”
Latest on Joey Bosa-Chargers Exit Rumors
As for Mack’s teammate, Joey Bosa, the veteran defensive end is considered a potential cut candidate. Bosa is scheduled to make $25.36 million in 2025, which includes a $12.36M roster bonus for next month.
Based on his upcoming contract and production from 2024, ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes that the Chargers could cut the 29-year-old defensive lineman.
"The people I talk to think that's the likely outcome, but they thought the same thing last year, and Bosa and the Chargers were able to get a deal done to keep him there."
Bosa and Los Angeles agreed to a two-year, $40.36 million restructured contract last offseason. The Chargers also had Mack restructure his contract, which helped the franchise make the necessary moves in free agency.
Bosa had an okay 2024 season, posting 22 combined tackles, 19 quarterback pressures, 13 QB hits, five tackles for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Given how much he's set to make in 2025, LA can't depend only getting another five-sack season.
Therefore, if the Chargers can’t get Mack and cut Bosa, they must go out and get at least two talented pass rushers in the offseason. The good news for Los Angeles is that this year’s EDGE FA class isn’t bad with names such as Josh Sweat, Haason Reddick, Chase Young, Matt Judon, Chase Young, and Charles Omenihu.