Holding onto star pass-rushers is a win for the Chargers
Despite salary-cap concerns at the start of the new league year, the Los Angeles Chargers have managed to cut costs without completely dismantling their roster, a win for the franchise.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chargers and star pass-rusher Joey Bosa agreed to restructure his deal, so he could stay in Los Angeles. On Wednesday , fellow pass-rusher Khalil Mack did the same.
Over the Cap estimates the Chargers are $7.8M over the cap, meaning they still have work to do. Bosa's restructure should save $10.3M, though, and the team released wide receiver Mike Williams on Wednesday, clearing $20M.
Bosa – who has two years remaining on a five-year, $135M deal – was considered a trade or cut candidate due to his durability concerns. According to ESPN's Kris Rhim, the 28-year-old has missed 14 games over the past two seasons with hamstring, toe and foot injuries.
When healthy, Bosa is one of the best edge-rushers in the league. The third overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft has made four Pro Bowls and recorded 67 sacks across eight seasons with the Chargers.
Mack – the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year – is still playing at a high level, too. In 17 games last season, the 33-year-old logged the fourth-most sacks (17) in the league while tying for third in forced fumbles (five).
If Mack and Bosa stay healthy, they could form an elite duo and help new head coach Jim Harbaugh revamp a weak defense.
The Chargers defense is one reason the team went 5-12 and missed the playoffs last season. It finished 24th in the league in points (23.4) allowed and 28th in yards (362.9) allowed. The organization clearly couldn't afford to lose stars like Bosa and Mack.
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