The Off The Bench crew discusses the news that Joey Bosa was released by the LA Chargers and if the Cincinnati Bengals should pursue him.
The Cincinnati Bengals face an intriguing decision with the recent release of Joey Bosa by the Los Angeles Chargers on March 5, 2025. Bosa, a five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, is now a free agent, and his availability has sparked discussions about potential landing spots, including Cincinnati. At 29 years old (turning 30 in July), Bosa brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record, with 72 career sacks—second-most in Chargers history.
However, his injury history and the Bengals’ current roster dynamics raise questions about whether signing him makes sense. Here’s a breakdown of the case for and against the Bengals pursuing Bosa.
On the positive side, Bosa could address a pressing need for Cincinnati. The Bengals recently granted All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, a surprising move given his league-leading 17.5 sacks in 2024. If Hendrickson departs, the Bengals’ pass rush would take a significant hit, as no other player on the roster had more than five sacks last season. Bosa, while not the dominant force he once was, recorded five sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles in 14 games in 2024. His 73.7 PFF run defense grade also highlights his value as a well-rounded defender, which could be crucial in the rugged AFC North. Pairing him with a potentially retained Hendrickson—or using him as a cost-effective replacement—could keep Cincinnati’s defensive line competitive.
Bosa’s ties to Ohio State, where he starred alongside Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, add another layer of appeal. Their familiarity could foster chemistry, and Burrow’s presence might make Cincinnati an attractive destination for Bosa. Moreover, Bosa’s likely reduced price tag due to his injury history aligns with the Bengals’ tendency to seek value in free agency. With cap space potentially freed up by roster moves, they could sign him to a short-term, incentive-laden deal, minimizing risk while bolstering a defense that struggled in close games last season—seven of their eight losses were by one score.
However, there are significant drawbacks. Bosa’s durability is a major concern; he’s missed 23 games over the past three seasons, including a groin tear in 2022 and a foot injury in 2023. At 30, his best days may be behind him, and the Bengals need reliable contributors, not injury risks, to complement stars like Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. If Hendrickson stays, adding Bosa might be redundant, especially with younger players like Joseph Ossai in the mix. The front office’s reluctance to spend big on veterans—evident in ongoing contract disputes with Chase and Tee Higgins—also suggests they might hesitate to invest in a player with Bosa’s mileage, even at a discount.
Ultimately, the Bengals should consider signing Bosa if Hendrickson is traded and they can secure him on a low-risk deal. His experience, run-stopping ability, and Ohio State connection make him a compelling fit for a team aiming to contend in 2025. However, if Hendrickson stays or Bosa’s market heats up, Cincinnati might be better off prioritizing youth and cap flexibility. It’s a calculated gamble worth exploring, but not at any cost.
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