Chargers, Bosa Finally Agree to Contract

Joey Bosa’s long and unamicable standoff with the San Diego Chargers has come to an end. The two parties finally agreed on the terms of Bosa’s rookie contract today: a four-year, $25.8 million deal with a $17 million signing bonus.

In the end, a compromise was reached, ensuring Bosa will play for the embattled franchise this season instead of re-entering next year’s draft. In addition to securing a fully guaranteed contract – a lock for anyone selected in the top half of the first round – Bosa’s team earned its client the largest signing bonus in franchise history in exchange for offset language in San Diego’s favour.

Offset language comes into play if a player is cut before the end of his rookie deal. Should that player sign another contract for less money per year, his old team would only be on the hook for the difference between his old contract and the new one. The term essentially keeps a player from “doubling down” on unearned money, which could be crippling for a team short on salary cap space in the middle of a rebuild.

So, the dispute is settled and the two teams are ready to work together, right? Well, maybe not so fast. After missing the entirety of training camp and preseason, Bosa is doubtful to suit up for the final trial game this Thursday night against the Vikings.

Besides, with his spot on the final roster already secured, Chargers coaches would probably prefer to use the game to evaluate fringe players. Bosa would be left to slowly work his way into playing shape throughout the early weeks of the regular season.

The dispute featured accusations, false allegations, and mud slinging, none of which helped quell San Diego’s reputation as one of the worst run organisations in pro sports. With the Chargers looking the most likely to finish in the AFC West basement in 2016, another high draft pick could be looming and with it, another public spat if the stubborn franchise fails to learn from its mistakes.