Joey Bosa heads to Buffalo on a one-year deal
The Buffalo Bills have signed the recently released former Chargers’ linebacker, Joey Bosa to a one-year deal worth $12.6 million of which $12 million is guaranteed. This is a straight-up prove-it type of contract with no strings attached the following year. If Bosa can be anywhere near the level he once was, it would be a steal for the Bills and the linebacker can make a case for a better contract. If Bosa doesn’t deliver, then Buffalo can move on from him without losing any sleep over $12 million for a player of his caliber.
Joey Bosa is a name that once used to strike fear into the opposing O-line and quarterback every time he lined up against them. This was back until 2022, after which his career dipped rather than taking off in his prime.
For the most part, Bosa’s career dip has happened due to multiple injuries forcing him to miss many games over the past few seasons. In fact, the 2016 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last played a full season in 2019.
In 2022, he missed 12 games after suffering a groin injury that needed surgery. The following season he missed the last 7 games due to a sprained right foot. Despite playing the majority of the games in 2024, Bosa has lost some spring in his step, and his ability to get to the quarterback has diminished quite a bit. However, what he still has is talent and age on his side to make some kind of an impact.
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Last season was a particularly disappointing one for the Buffalo Bills in terms of their defensive exploits. A lot of problems on defense likely resulted due to some standout players leaving the team in the offseason. Nevertheless, Buffalo had to make do with what they had and what they had was simply not enough.
The Bills finished 18th overall last season with just 39 sacks. They took an average of 2.63 seconds to pressure the quarterback, which ranked 25th in the league. But, quite possibly the one stat that hurt them the most was their terrible third-down defense finishing 30th in the league after allowing 43.8% first downs.
The Bills have essentially signed Bosa to take over the role of Von Miller, whom they just released. Miller had actually signed a huge 6-year, $120 million contract, but he has never looked the same following the knee injury he suffered in 2022. Ideally, Bosa should be an upgrade over Miller, he certainly has age on his side. Provided the 5-time Pro Bowler can remain healthy on the field, the Bills could have themselves a top pass rusher.
If Bosa gets into his groove for Buffalo, they can then bank on their premier edge rusher Greg Rousseau to raise his level of gameplay from the other side. Buffalo has just rewarded Rousseau with a new $80 million contract over the next four years and pairing alongside Bosa could be the answer to Buffalo’s struggles up front.
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