Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa broke several records this Tuesday night, after agreeing on a five-year $135 million extension with his current team.
Bosa became the first player in Chargers’ history to surpass the $100 million limit, and also became the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
According to the sources from within the league, $78 million are guaranteed at signing, and $102 million are guaranteed. That is two million more than Myles Garrett got recently from his Browns, and way more than Khalil Mack and Aaron Donald have. He is also set to earn $14.4 million in the last year of his rookie contract.
The Chargers and DE Joey Bosa have reached an agreement on a 5-year, $135 million extension that ties him to LA the next six years, per @AdamSchefter.
$102M guaranteed – a new NFL defensive record. pic.twitter.com/HxL1v4ji5Y
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 29, 2020
For many, this comes as a risky move because of the possibility that the salary-cap drops in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemics. For others, it is a great move of the Chargers, who now have one of the elite defenders in the league tied long-term.
Bosa, who recently turned 25, came out from Ohio State and was picked as the third overall pick at the 2016 NFL Draft.
He would immediately become a contributor for the Chargers. At the end of the year, Bosa won the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award after appearing in 12 games, producing 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Throughout his career, Bosa posted 40 sacks in 51 appearances, which ranks him fourth in the league when looking at sacks per game, behind Garrett, Donald, and Chandler Jones. His aggressive style of play, a fantastic strength, and high playing IQ have earned him two Pro Bowl selections and status of one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.
Chargers will try to rebuild their team in the near future, and Bosa seems to be the focal point of their entire conception. After seeing Philip Rivers walking away after more than a decade and a half of leading the Chargers, the team is ahead of a new chapter. The team from LA finished the last campaign with 5 wins and 11 losses, and they drafted a new QB, Justin Herbert, who should replace Rivers.
The LAC have just one playoff appearance in the previous six campaigns, and that is causing massive frustrations in their fanbase. They are about to start this season at the newly built stadium, which will be shared with the Rams.