Falcons Eye Joey Bosa to Fix Pass Rush Amid Salary Cap Woes
The Atlanta Falcons are entering a critical offseason, and one of their biggest concerns remains the pass rush. Despite making strides on defense in 2023, the team still struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Now, with a new coaching staff and a pressing need for defensive playmakers, the Falcons are reportedly eyeing a potential blockbuster move for Los Angeles Chargers star edge rusher Joey Bosa. However, with salary cap limitations looming, acquiring the elite pass rusher would require significant financial maneuvering.
Why the Falcons Need Bosa
The Falcons have been searching for a dominant edge presence for years. In 2023, the team ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks, with only veteran Calais Campbell providing any semblance of consistency on the defensive front. Young pass rushers like Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone have shown flashes, but neither has developed into a game-changing force. Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most feared pass rushers when healthy, could be the solution to Atlanta’s pass-rushing woes.
Bosa has 67 career sacks in eight seasons, and while injuries have slowed him in recent years, his ability to collapse pockets and disrupt offenses is undeniable. Pairing him with interior disruptors like Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata could transform Atlanta’s front seven into a legitimate force.
The Salary Cap Challenge
The biggest obstacle to acquiring Bosa is Atlanta’s financial flexibility—or lack thereof. The Falcons are projected to have some cap space, but a potential move for a high-priced quarterback or other key free agents could limit their spending power. Bosa is currently on a five-year, $135 million contract extension signed in 2020, and he carries a cap hit north of $36 million in 2024. If the Chargers look to trade him, they may be open to restructuring his deal, but the Falcons would still need to clear significant space to absorb his contract.
Atlanta could explore cap-saving moves, such as releasing or restructuring veteran contracts, to make room for a player of Bosa’s caliber. The team might also push for a trade package that includes draft capital rather than absorbing his full contract outright.
Will the Chargers Move On?
The Chargers are undergoing major changes, with new head coach Jim Harbaugh taking over and likely reshaping the roster. With cap issues of their own and a potential desire to build around a younger, cheaper core, they could consider parting ways with Bosa if the price is right. Los Angeles also has Khalil Mack, another veteran edge rusher, and may choose to retain one while moving the other for financial flexibility.
A trade for Bosa wouldn’t be cheap, but if the Falcons believe he’s the missing piece to elevate their defense, they might be willing to pay the price. The decision will likely hinge on how aggressive Atlanta’s front office wants to be in 2024.
Conclusion
The Falcons have a golden opportunity to address their pass rush with a marquee talent like Joey Bosa. However, financial constraints and trade negotiations will dictate whether this dream becomes a reality. If Atlanta can find a way to make the numbers work, Bosa could be the defensive game-changer they’ve been searching for. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Falcons’ front office to see if they can pull off a move that could redefine their defense for years to come.
