The Los Angeles Chargers made a move earlier this week to shed some salary cap ahead of the new league year opening. That consisted of releasing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks.
However, there is a lot more that new general manager Joe Hortiz must do before the Chargers find themselves under the 2024 NFL salary cap. As of right now, Los Angeles sits at roughly $25 million over the figure.
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We’ve read reports that wide receiver Mike Williams and star edge rusher Khalil Mack could be released before NFL free agency officially opens. Those moves would save $43 million, per Over the Cap estimations.
But with a new power duo of Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh calling the shots, there are no built-in relationships here. This could lead to even more dramatic moves in Southern California over the next few days, including the trade or release of Joey Bosa.
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Los Angeles Chargers Insider Links Joey Bosa To The San Francisco 49ers
We’re sure that this isn’t what Chargers fans want to hear. But Daniel Popper of The Athletic just appeared on 95.7 The Game in the Bay Area. During his appearance, the Chargers’ insider provided a rather interesting nugget about Joey potentially joining his brother, Nick Bosa, with the 49ers.
“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Popper said about Bosa potentially moving on to the 49ers. “At the end of the day, Joey Bosa he’s been pretty public about the fact that he’s always wanted to play with his brother. Bosa has a base salary of $15 million this year, $17 million next year. I’m not super fluent in the Niners’ cap situation, but that’s what you would be taking on for you know, 24 and 25. So, we’ll see. I think the Chargers should at least listen. And if they’re listening then I think there are a number of places that makes sense for Joey Bosa.”
Bosa, 28, has been a mainstay for the Chargers since they made him the No. 3 pick out of Ohio State back in 2016. He’s earned four Pro Bowl trips and won the 2016 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
However, he has also played in a combined 14 of 34 games over the past two seasons due to multiple injuries. The 2023 campaign saw Bosa limited to nine games with a right foot injury.
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Bosa boasts a cap hit of $36.61 million for the 2024 season. The Chargers would save $14.39 million by trading Bosa before June. If he were designated a post-June 1 cut, Los Angeles would save a whopping $22 million.
Despite Bosa’s recent injury issues, you’d think he would have a trade market. At the very least, compensation that could bring the Chargers a Day 2 pick. From 2016-21, the star edge rusher recorded a combined 129 QB hits, 73 tackles for loss and 58 sacks.
While this is all interesting to look at, the likelier scenario is that Los Angeles hangs on to Bosa on a restructured deal while saving $23.25 million by releasing Mack.