**Joey Bosa Takes Pay Cut to Stay with Chargers Amid Speculation**
The Los Angeles Chargers' elite linebacker Joey Bosa has decided to remain with the team for the upcoming season despite a whirlwind of offseason trade rumors and salary cap concerns. Bosa, who had two years remaining on his five-year, $135 million contract extension signed in 2020, made a significant decision to restructure his deal in March, taking a pay cut to stay with the Chargers.
Restructured Contract
Bosa's decision to adjust his contract ensures an $8 million guaranteed base salary for this season. However, there is no guaranteed money for Bosa in 2025, making this year possibly his final season in Los Angeles. Given the Chargers' salary cap issues, Bosa was viewed as a potential cut or trade candidate. Yet, his desire to remain with the team and contribute to their success prevailed over financial considerations.
"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," Bosa emphasized.
Commitment to Winning
Bosa's primary focus now is on winning games and helping lead the Chargers to victory. He expressed a strong interest in playing for one team throughout his entire career and reiterated his commitment to the organization. "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money," Bosa stated. "I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]."
Additionally, Bosa's attitude reflects his priorities as he looks forward to the upcoming season. His leadership and skillset will be pivotal for the Chargers this year, particularly in tandem with his teammate and fellow linebacker Khalil Mack. "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 added.
Overcoming Injuries
The past two seasons have been challenging for Bosa due to various injuries, including significant time missed with hamstring, foot, and toe injuries. His 2022 season was cut short after spraining his foot in Week 11. The offseason also saw Bosa undergo surgery on his finger for a separate injury, further compounding his physical struggles.
Despite these setbacks, Bosa is feeling optimistic about his physical condition as he heads 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. "It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago."
Bosa's confidence in his body and performance is palpable. "I've said I've been feeling great the last couple 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 said.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming training camp promises to be an exciting period for Bosa, who is eager to test his abilities against rookie Joe Alt. "I'm going to need to beat him up a little bit in camp so he's ready," Bosa commented. "We'll see in a few weeks, when I lay a helmet on his chin, how he holds up."
Last season, Bosa demonstrated his capabilities with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 win over the Jets. As he enters this season, a healthy and motivated Bosa will be an invaluable asset for the Chargers. His decision to take a pay cut underscores his commitment to the team, and fans and teammates alike will be closely watching his performance, hopeful that he can help lead the team to victory.
"It's all about the overall goal for the team and what we can achieve together," Bosa stated, embodying the spirit of dedication and perseverance. As the new season approaches, the Chargers and their supporters eagerly anticipate the impact Bosa will have on the field and his contributions to the team's quest for success.