After much anticipation, the NFL offseason is finally picking up steam. The Los Angeles Chargers entered free agency on Monday looking a little lighter than usual after releasing long-time linebacker Joey Bosa last week, creating over $25 million in salary cap savings in the process.
While some Chargers fans are focused on general manager Joe Hortiz's newly created space, others can't wait to see where Bosa's career takes him. He's still a fan favorite despite his recently underwhelming performances, and many Los Angeles supporters would love nothing more than for the five-time Pro Bowl LB to end his career on a high note.
As it turns out, two teams are already showing heavy interest in Bosa's services.
Chargers Rumors: 49ers, Dolphins Targeting Joey Boesa in Free Agency
On Monday night, The Athletic's Michael Silver reported that the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins have already offered Bosa contracts since free agency began. According to Silver, both offers are worth less than $10 million.
The 49ers and Dolphins both missed out on the 2024 postseason, so it isn't shocking that either of them is interested in signing Bosa. The two sides also have enough money to sign the former 2016 third-overall pick, as OverTheCap lists San Francisco as having over $31.9 million in cap space while Miami has slightly more than $11.2 million to spare.
Of the two potential suitors, Bosa joining the 49ers is a move that a lot of people have been predicting. After all, his younger brother and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year — Nick — has been patrolling San Francisco's defensive line since 2019 and has made it clear he'd love for the duo to team up one day.
"I think Joey definitely is looking good financially (for the 49ers)," Bosa told NBC Sports Bay Area's Taylor Wirth in March 2023. "I think him on the other side, it might break the NFL."
It certainly looks like Bosa moving to the Bay is a real possibility after the 49ers released veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd on Tuesday afternoon.
As for the Dolphins, they're interested in Bosa after finishing with the sixth-fewest sacks (35) in the NFL last season. Having said that, Miami was without star pass rusher Bradley Chubb for the whole season, while LB Jaelan Phillips only made two appearances. It isn't hard to imagine how lethal the unit could be if Bosa joined a healthy Chubb and Phillips — as well as Chop Robinson — in the Sunshine State.
With a resume like Bosa's, chances are he won't be available for long. Top names tend to find new homes quickly in free agency, meaning Chargers fans will know where the long-time fan favorite is heading sooner rather than later.