ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Joey Bosa is acutely aware of the swift passage of time. With his 30th birthday on the horizon and recent years marred by injuries, he isn’t viewing himself as “old news.” Instead, he is determined to recapture his position as a top-tier NFL pass rusher.
Having signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Buffalo Bills, Bosa is on a mission to maximize the remaining years of his NFL career. As he reflected during a press briefing, “Time is moving quickly. I’m heading into my tenth year, which means there aren’t many opportunities left.” Bosa’s focus is purely on playing football this season and contributing to his new team, the Bills, after a lengthy tenure with the Chargers.
During his time in Southern California, Bosa earned the accolade of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 and subsequently secured one of the most lucrative contracts in the league by 2020. However, his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Being released by the Chargers served as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of professional sports. “Everything’s passing by in an instant,” he admitted but remains free of ill feelings towards his former team.
Now embracing a fresh start in Buffalo, Bosa is focusing on leveraging his health to perform at his best on the field. He also looks forward to filling the void left by Von Miller’s release from the Bills. At 28, Bosa is six years Miller’s junior, yet he acknowledges that both veterans have faced production declines in recent times. Since 2016, Bosa’s career tally stands at 72 sacks, although injuries have restricted him to just 14 sacks over the past three seasons.
Despite these challenges, Bosa harbors optimism about contributing significantly to the Bills, particularly against quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, who has been a consistent hurdle for Buffalo in playoffs. Familiar with Mahomes from his AFC West days, Bosa aims to be an impactful addition to the Bills’ defense. He feels fit, has settled in Buffalo thanks to his fiancée, and is eager to relive the football-centric atmosphere reminiscent of his Ohio State days.
Reflecting on his past near-decade in football, Bosa expresses gratitude yet is eager for new experiences. “I want to enjoy every moment and rediscover the joy and fun of football,” he shared, feeling ready for a championship run with the Bills. Joining Bosa in Buffalo is Joshua Palmer, a former teammate from the Chargers, who signed a three-year deal, marking a return to his roots near Toronto—a mere two-hour journey from Buffalo.
Palmer, who initially favored basketball and supported the Toronto Raptors, is excited to reunite with Bosa, whom he describes as “a monster.” He is also enthusiastic about meeting Buffalo’s quarterback Josh Allen, regarded highly as an NFL MVP. Additionally, the Bills have acquired former Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest on a one-year contract. His NFL career began in Washington, where he excelled over four seasons with four interceptions and substantial special teams contributions.
