The Los Angeles Chargers will likely move on from edge defender Joey Bosa in the coming weeks, but one prominent NFL analyst believes the team could trade him to a contender. A first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product used to be one of the league’s top pass rushers. Bosa earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 and followed that up by making four Pro Bowls in his next five seasons.
Unfortunately, injuries sidelined him for most of the next two seasons. While he stayed healthy through most of 2024, he wasn’t the same player. Now set to carry a staggering $36.47 million cap hit, the Chargers can save $25.3 million in cap space by trading him, and Bleacher Report‘s Gary Davenport believes the Detroit Lions could send a fourth-round pick for his services.
“The Detroit Lions have been mentioned as a potential trade partner for any number of edge rushers, incluing stars such as Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett. Bosa wouldn’t be nearly as expensive as those names. Playing for arguably the NFC’s most talented team would have to be appealing for him.”
Chargers, Lions Connected In Joey Bosa Trade Rumors
Joey Bosa is a great player, and the Lions could benefit from a trade if something is done about his contract. While Los Angeles will inherit some dead money, most of Bosa’s salary will follow him to his new team. Quite frankly, the present-day version of Bosa isn’t worth a fraction of what he’s making, so Los Angeles will need to take on some more money to earn a draft pick for Bosa’s services.
Whether it’s a trade or a release, Joey Bosa probably won’t be with the Chargers in 2025. While the Lions could certainly use another edge defender to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, they won’t be the only team interested in the five-time Pro Bowler.
Other Destinations
Carolina Panthers
If Bryce Young can continue his positive development, the Carolina Panthers could have the offense to compete for the NFC South crown. However, their defense has a long way to go. Jadeveon Clowney had a disappointing first year in Carolina, and nobody else stepped up in the absence of Brian Burns. While the Panthers could use a top-10 pick on a pass rusher, they should be interested in a proven veteran like Joey Bosa. Even if he’s lost a step since the late 2010’s, he’d still be the best edge defender on this roster. 0
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons swung and missed with the Matthew Judon trade last year, but that shouldn’t stop them from going after Joey Bosa. Michael Penix had an impressive debut in the back half of 2024, and he has the potential to guide this team on a deep playoff run. What he can’t do, however, is play defense, which cost this team a postseason birth last year. Bosa can’t singlehandedly fix this unit, but he’d help improve a defensive line that desperately needs more players who can get after the quarterback.
Arizona Cardinals
At this point in time, it’s safe to say that Kyler Murray is a good-not-great quarterback who cannot guide a flawed roster to the postseason. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but it means head coach Jonathan Gannon must build a more competitive roster to compete in a questionable NFC West. Joey Bosa won’t cost too much if the Chargers release him, which means Arizona can pay him and still address the other needs on the roster.
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