The Buffalo Bills have made headlines by agreeing to sign free agent Joey Bosa to a one-year contract worth $12.6 million, effective as of March 12, 2025. This move, which sees Bosa transition from the Los Angeles Chargers where he spent nine seasons, is not just significant financially, but also strategically, as the Bills move to bolster their pass rush.
Bosa, the third overall pick from the 2016 NFL Draft, enjoyed considerable success with the Chargers, racking up 72 career sacks, but injuries have marred his recent seasons. Specifically, he played only five games in 2022 and nine games in 2023, before rebounding slightly with 14 appearances and five sacks last season. The 29-year-old edges closer to his thirties as he embarks on this new chapter with the Bills, effectively taking over from Von Miller, who was released following the 2022 season due to injuries.
Coach Sean McDermott emphasized the importance of strengthening the defensive front, particularly following their 32-29 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship Game. “A really good defense starts up front,” McDermott stated, underlining the Bills' long-standing struggles to pressure opposing quarterbacks effectively.
While some analysts have expressed skepticism over the decision, pointing to Bosa’s injury history, others see the potential upside. The Sporting News awarded the signing a grade of B, viewing Bosa as a pivotal player who will likely see significant playing time, especially alongside rising star Greg Rousseau. Rousseau recently signed a four-year, $80 million extension and has been touted for greater success after overcoming his own challenges adjusting to the league.
Bosa's statistics speak volumes about his capability when healthy. Across his career, he notched 343 tackles, which includes 156 quarterback hits, alongside 17 forced fumbles, showcasing his disruptive nature on the field. A member of five Pro Bowl squads, his contended presence is expected to amplify the effectiveness of the Bills’ defense. This adjustment should also increase the workload efficiency of teammates like AJ Epenesa.
This signing aims to fill the void left by Miller, whose significant contract and subsequent injury sidelined him during what many suspected would be his prime years. General Manager Brandon Beane articulated the rationale behind investing substantial resources, even on veterans. “Von, signing him, yes, when we signed him... We could not get to Mahomes,” Beane explained. It’s evident the franchise is taking bold steps to prevent similar shortcomings, particularly during high-stakes playoff encounters.
With his contract providing $12 million guaranteed, Bosa has the potential to earn up to $15.6 million with performance incentives, indicating the franchise’s commitment to both immediate impact and long-term value if the player returns to full fitness. Bosa now joins the ranks alongside another new teammate, Michael Hoecht, who played with him at Los Angeles and signed with the Bills earlier this month.
For fans, the excitement around Bosa’s arrival hints at optimism across Buffalo, with the team viewing him as integral to turning around past playoff disappointments. His integration could rejuvenate the defensive lineup, providing fresh energy and experience needed to make impactful plays as the Bills chase Super Bowl ambitions.
While questions still loom around Bosa’s health, the potential payoff is palpable. If he can stay healthy, expectations are high both within the franchise and among supporters. With the Bills’ push to contend consistently for championships, Joey Bosa proves to be not just another player added to the roster, but rather, he is positioned as the cornerstone of what they hope will be a transformative season.