The Washington Commanders need help at edge rusher this offseason. Washington will explore every avenue to improve its defense, including free agency, the NFL draft and watching to see which veterans are released.
One of those veterans expected to be released is Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa. ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently said he expects the Chargers to move on from Bosa.
The people I talk to think that’s the likely outcome, but they thought the same thing last year, and Bosa and the Chargers were able to get a deal done to keep him there. He’s scheduled to make $25.36 million this season, but nearly half of that comes in the form of a $12.36 million roster bonus due next month. So while none of his 2025 money is guaranteed, the Chargers would obviously want to decide by the time they have to pay that roster bonus.
So, if Bosa is released, would he represent an upgrade for the Commanders?
Sure, if he’s on the field, but that’s part of the problem. Bosa, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, hasn’t played a full season since 2019. In 2021, he missed only one game, but Bosa has missed 23 out of a possible 51 games over the past three seasons. He’ll be 30 in July.
Bosa can provide a pass rush, and he’s also solid against the run, something Washington needs from its edge rushers. But, if Bosa is available, the Commanders couldn’t rely on Bosa to be a full-time starter. That’s why signing someone like Philadelphia’s Josh Sweat in free agency and adding another young pass rusher in the NFL draft make more sense than signing Bosa.
So, if released, Bosa would be an option, but he shouldn’t be too high on Washington’s potential list.