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NFL Insider Reveals Salary Cap Wizardy Los Angeles Chargers Employed To Hold On To Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 3/15/24

The Los Angeles Chargers went to great lengths to keep Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack on the roster for 2024 and a new report has revealed the cap and contract wizardry they whipped up to achieve their goal earlier this week.

After the last few days the Chargers have done a lot to get themselves out of salary cap hell and try to be active in the NFL free agent market. Entering the new league year the team was way over the salary threshold and stars Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack were all seen as possible cap casualties of the organization’s attempt to recoup some money.

On Wednesday they outright cut Williams and then on Thursday night they shockingly traded Allen to the Chicago Bears for just a lone fourth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, while they cut ties with their starting receivers, the organization made the necessary moves to hold on to both Bosa and Mack.

When the news was revealed that the two defensive stars would be back it was reported that both took hefty pay cuts in restructured contracts. However, it seems there is much more to it than that and NFL Media league insider Tom Pelissero unveiled the details behind the reworked contracts for Mack and Bosa this week.

Joey Bosa contract: 5 years, $135 million ($102 guaranteed)

Khalil Mack contract: 6 years, $141 million ($90 million guaranteed)

“Khalil Mack took a pay cut from $23.25 million to $19M as part of a restructured contract that now prevents him from being franchise tagged in 2025. After playing just 14 games over the past two seasons, Joey Bosa also took a cut, from $22M to $15M, but got his salary fully guaranteed and can earn back $4M through sack incentives.

“An $8.36M roster bonus due the third day of the 2025 league year also was increased to $12.36M and moved up to the first day, forcing an earlier and more expensive decision. So L.A. keeps both in the fold for 2024, and Mack and Bosa get more control over their futures in 2025.”
– Tom Pelissero

The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly now have just over $15 million after the Williams cut and Allen trade (via Over The Cap). Wide receiver is sure to be a top priority now in free agency and the market is starting to dwindle after Marquise Brown was taken off the board by the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. Trades for Tee Higgins or Brandon Aiyuk could be options as well.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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