Chargers release Joey Bosa in expected cost-cutting move

A star edge rusher is on the open market.

The Los Angeles Chargers announced Wednesday they released star edge rusher Joey Bosa, making him a n NFL free agent a week before the new league year begins.

we've released Joey Bosa

→ https://t.co/oxrEU8xhPu pic.twitter.com/6WLZ7eJp12
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) March 6, 2025

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Bosa was the No. 3 overall pick by Los Angeles in 2016, but his career in Southern California had been plagued by injuries.

Releasing Bosa saves the Chargers north of $25 million against their cap space. He was on a two-year contract worth $40.3 million and was set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

The 29-year-old should still be a coveted option for contending teams given his pedigree, winning Rookie of the Year in 2016 before being named to five Pro Bowls, most recently this past season.

Nick Bosa, Joey's younger brother, leads the San Francisco 49ers' defensive line, where a potential brother reunion could make sense. Robert Saleh is back as the team's defensive coordinator, while Bosa has yet to have a complimentary rusher alongside him who could stay healthy for multiple seasons.