Big news is shaking up the NFL—five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa is heading to Buffalo! The veteran pass rusher has agreed to a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Bills, according to sources speaking with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Bosa’s journey to this new chapter hasn’t been without challenges. The Los Angeles Chargers, his long-time team, decided to part ways with the 29-year-old last Wednesday, releasing him after an eight-year stint. A move like that is never easy, especially considering Bosa's legacy with the franchise. Drafted third overall in 2016, he hit the ground running, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. With 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss that year, he made it clear that he was a force to be reckoned with.
His early career was nothing short of electrifying. Bosa set an NFL record by notching 19 sacks in his first 20 games, a feat that instantly put him among the league’s elite pass rushers. Over his first six seasons, he made four Pro Bowls, proving that his dominance wasn’t a fluke but a defining characteristic of his game. Recognizing his value, the Chargers rewarded him with a massive five-year, $135 million contract extension in 2020, at the time the richest deal ever given to a defensive player.
However, injuries have thrown a wrench into his career in recent years. Despite his undeniable talent, he has struggled to stay on the field, playing in only 28 games over the past three seasons. Still, Bosa showed glimpses of his old self in 2024, earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod—albeit as an alternate. He appeared in 14 games, the most he’s managed since 2021, and proved his ability to impact high-stakes matchups. During the Chargers' playoff loss to the Houston Texans in January, Bosa led the team with six pressures and a sack, reminding everyone why he’s still a premier pass rusher when healthy.
Now, Bosa will step into a crucial role on Buffalo’s defensive line, forming a tandem with Greg Rousseau, who just secured a four-year extension. The Bills have been making strategic moves to bolster their defense, and Bosa’s signing comes on the heels of them releasing pass rusher Von Miller, a move that freed up $8.4 million in cap space. Miller was initially brought in on a six-year deal in 2022 with the hope that his veteran presence would elevate Buffalo’s defense to a championship level, but things didn’t quite go as planned.
The Bills have been aggressive this offseason in addressing their defensive front. Just a day before landing Bosa, they inked former Los Angeles Rams defensive end Michael Hoecht to a three-year contract. Defensive line play has been a priority for Buffalo, especially after their AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs exposed some struggles in their pass-rushing unit. General manager Brandon Beane has emphasized the importance of building from the trenches, ensuring that the Bills remain competitive without compromising future salary cap flexibility.
While there are some similarities between signing Bosa and the earlier acquisition of Miller—both are seasoned pass rushers with injury concerns—there’s one major difference: the length of the deal. Buffalo is committing to Bosa for just one year, making this a lower-risk investment with the potential for a high reward if he can stay healthy and deliver on the field.
Buffalo has been one of the busiest teams this offseason, making moves to strengthen both sides of the ball. In addition to the Bosa and Hoecht signings, they’ve secured new contracts for key players, including wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and franchise quarterback Josh Allen. They also made an outside free-agent move by bringing in wide receiver Joshua Palmer.
As Bosa gears up for this new opportunity, he brings an impressive career resume with him. Over 107 regular-season games, he has racked up 343 tackles, 157 quarterback hits, 87 tackles for loss, 17 forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. His 72 career sacks put him second on the Chargers’ all-time list, trailing only Leslie O’Neal, who recorded 105.5.
The upcoming season will be a pivotal one for Bosa. If he can stay healthy and produce at a high level, this move could prove to be one of the best offseason signings for Buffalo. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can help elevate the Bills' defense and push them closer to a Super Bowl run. One thing’s for sure—when Bosa is at his best, quarterbacks across the league better watch out!
Login