Joey Bosa Takes Pay Cut to Remain with the Chargers Amid Speculation
The 2023 NFL offseason has been a tumultuous one for Joey Bosa, the star linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite rampant trade rumors and the looming shadow of salary cap concerns, Bosa has made a decisive move to stay with the Chargers by restructuring his contract and taking a significant pay cut.
Bosa's Contract Restructure
Originally signed to a five-year, $135 million contract extension in 2020, Bosa had two years remaining on his deal. In March, he opted to restructure his contract, securing an $8 million guaranteed base salary for the upcoming season. However, the revised contract includes no guaranteed money for 2025, which hints at the possibility that this year might mark Bosa's final season in Los Angeles.
Given the Chargers' salary cap issues, Bosa was considered a potential candidate for a cut or trade. His decision to take a pay cut emphasizes his commitment to the team. "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money," Bosa stated, emphasizing his dedication to the Chargers.
Commitment to the Chargers
Throughout the offseason, Bosa expressed a strong desire to remain with the Chargers and to contribute to the team's success. "I always thought of myself being somebody that will play here and retire here, which I think not many people do on one team, and I think would be a cool thing to accomplish, but you never know. I'm going to worry about this year first," said Bosa.
His focus now is on winning games and playing alongside teammate Khalil Mack. "I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]," he mentioned, highlighting the camaraderie and trust he has in his teammates.
Overcoming Injuries
Bosa's last two seasons have been marred by various injuries, including hamstring, foot, and toe problems. His 2022 season was notably cut short due to a foot sprain in Week 11. Additionally, Bosa underwent offseason surgery on his finger for a separate injury.
Despite these setbacks, Bosa is optimistic about his physical condition heading into the new season. "My foot's feeling great. Toe's good. The hamstring's good. I mean, there was a list of things last year—my hand—so all those things are good," he shared. Feeling healthier and more confident than he has in years, Bosa expressed, "It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago."
This renewed physical condition has boosted Bosa's confidence in both his body and performance. "I've said I've been feeling great the last couple of years. It's the real deal this time, but obviously anything can happen, but it's fun, feeling really confident in your body and being able to perform," he remarked.
Looking Forward to the Season
As training camp approaches, Bosa is eager to get back on the field and lead his team. One player he is particularly excited to compete against is rookie Joe Alt. "I'm going to need to beat him up a little bit in camp so he's ready. We'll see in a few weeks when I lay a helmet on his chin, how he holds up," Bosa joked, showcasing his competitive spirit.
Last season, Bosa delivered impressive performances, including 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 win over the Jets. His leadership and skill set will be pivotal for the Chargers' success this year. "So I think we have a great opportunity here, and who knows, maybe I'll have a great year this year, and then things can change down the road," Bosa reflected.
In conclusion, Joey Bosa's decision to take a pay cut underscores his commitment to the Los Angeles Chargers and his desire to see the team succeed. Fans and teammates will be watching closely, hopeful that Bosa's renewed health and determination will lead the Chargers to victory this season.