On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Chargers released edge-rusher Joey Bosa. Does that hint they’re poised to land a high-profile wide receiver?
According to NFL contract expert and Over the Cap founder Jason Fitzgerald, releasing Bosa clears $25.36M in cap space for the Chargers. In 14 regular-season games in 2024, he had five sacks, the second-lowest sack total of his career.
With Bosa’s release, Over the Cap estimates L.A. has $90.69M in cap space, which should be enough to trade for a WR, perhaps DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks.
Per NFL Media insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the 27-year-old wideout requested a trade on Wednesday.
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Chargers pursued Metcalf before the 2024 trade deadline passed but were rejected by Seattle.
If L.A. can’t acquire Metcalf, they could court WR Davante Adams in free agency. The New York Jets released the California native on Tuesday.
As of Wednesday, DraftKings Sportsbook gave the Chargers the second-best odds (+450) to sign the 32-year-old (h/t Fox Sports).
Metcalf finished with 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdown catches in 15 games in 2024. Adams, meanwhile, had 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdown catches in 14 games with the Jets and Las Vegas Raiders.
Either seems like a good option for L.A. Chargers WRs Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston combined for 1,860 receiving yards and 15 TD catches in 2024. Still, L.A. — which finished 19th in the league in passing yards (213.5) in 2024 — needs more `.
Releasing Bosa carries risk for L.A. In nine seasons with the club, he made five Pro Bowls. It’s also unclear whether the Chargers will re-sign free-agent edge-rusher Khalil Mack, raising concerns about their pass-rush.
But if the Chargers can land another weapon for star QB Justin Herbert, moving on from Bosa would be a wise choice.
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