Premier Pass-Rusher Could Head to NFC West

Joey Bosa could end up with either the San Francisco 49ers or Arizona Cardinals.

ARIZONA -- Should one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL become available, he could very well end up in the NFC West. 

The Los Angeles Chargers could potentially part ways with Joey Bosa, one of the game's best players at getting to the quarterback. Bosa is a heavy cut-candidate as the team looks to get under the salary cap - they're currently $20 million over and severing ties with Bosa would save about $14.3 million.

The Athletic's Daniel Popper says Bosa could potentially land with the San Francisco 49ers and brother Nick Bosa.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Popper said about Bosa potentially moving on to the 49ers (h/t LAFB). 

“At the end of the day, Joey Bosa he’s been pretty public about the fact that he’s always wanted to play with his brother. Bosa has a base salary of $15 million this year, $17 million next year. I’m not super fluent in the Niners’ cap situation, but that’s what you would be taking on for you know, 24 and 25. So, we’ll see. I think the Chargers should at least listen. And if they’re listening then I think there are a number of places that makes sense for Joey Bosa.”

An exit for Bosa is certainly on the table according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler:

"What will the Chargers do with four marquee players with huge cap hits? Defensive ends Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams comprise more than half the team's salary cap, and releasing all four would save $80.8 million in space. Doing that would obviously be shocking, but all four returning in their current contractual state would be a surprise, too," wrote Fowler.

"I'm leaving Indianapolis optimistic about Allen returning, possibly on a new or reworked deal. A few teams asked me about Mack as a trade option, and it seems there's some interest there. Williams is coming off an ACL tear and is in the final year of his deal, which is why some are wondering whether Los Angeles will release him outright, but he's also an immense talent. And it feels anything is possible with Bosa, who's a premier player but hasn't stayed healthy."

Oddsmakers also believe the Arizona Cardinals are players, too. Jonathan Gannon's squad have the third highest odds to land Bosa on BetOnline.

Los Angeles Chargers +300 (25% probability)

Detroit Lions +450 (18.2% probability)

Arizona Cardinals +550 (15.4% probability)

Arizona's 33 team sacks was third-worst in the NFL last season, and their edge department could undoubtedly use upgrades moving into 2024. 

The Cardinals have over $50 million to use in free agency according to Over The Cap. 

Bosa - 28-years-old - is a four-time Pro Bowler.