Report: Joey Bosa signs 5-year mega-deal to avoid playing on 5th year option

Four year ago, Los Angeles Chargers first round pick Joey Bosa held out as the team’s ownership made things difficult in negotiating his first contract. There will be no such concerns for the next few years. Bosa has agreed to a five-year deal worth up to $135 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The deal includes $78 million fully guaranteed, and up to $102 million total guaranteed money. It’s a record for a defensive player.

Bosa won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2016 after registering 10.5 sacks. He followed that up with 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles to go along with a Pro Bowl nod in 2017. He missed nine games in 2018 due to a foot injury, and finished with 5.5 sacks. This past season he played a full 16-game slate and had 11.5 sacks to earn his second Pro Bowl appearance.

The Chargers defense ranked 21st last year at Football Outsiders. The defensive front ranked 20th in adjusted line yards and 25th in adjusted sack rate.