The Los Angeles Chargers have decided to commit to defensive end Joey Bosa of Miami, Florida in a record-breaking contract. In the new deal, Bosa signed a five-year contract extension worth $135 million according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. As part of the deal, $102 million of the $135 million is guaranteed. The $102 million worth of guaranteed money is a record for a National Football League defensive player.
Bosa breaks the record previously set by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett of Arlington, Texas. On July 15, Garrett signed a five-year contract worth $125 million. Of the $125 million, $100 million was guaranteed.
At 25 years old, Bosa is entering his fifth season in the Chargers organization. Initially the San Diego Chargers’ first-round draft pick, third overall, in the 2016 National Football League Draft, Bosa was only selected behind quarterbacks Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams, and Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Bosa then had an impressive 10.5 sacks in his first NFL season of 2016 and was named the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The following season, Bosa went to the Pro Bowl. In 2017, he had a career-high four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 12.5 sacks, 70 combined tackles (54 solo tackles and 16 assisted tackles), 21 quarterback hits, and 11 tackles for a loss.
In 2019, Bosa recorded his second career Pro Bowl selection. He had 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 67 combined tackles (47 solo tackles and 20 assisted tackles), 31 quarterback hits, and 18 tackles for a loss.
At the collegiate level, Bosa was a star at Ohio State. He was part of the Buckeyes team that won the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. Ohio State defeated Oregon 42-20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.