The Buffalo Bills have long struggled with generating a consistent pass rush, a glaring issue during the Josh Allen era. Despite numerous attempts to bolster their defensive line with high-profile signings like Trent Murphy, Mario Addison, Von Miller, and now Joey Bosa, the results have been underwhelming.
Enter Jim Leonhard, the new defensive mastermind tasked with reshaping the Bills' approach to pressuring the quarterback. His fresh philosophy signals a shift away from past strategies, and Joey Bosa's future with the team is uncertain.
Here's why the Bills might consider letting Joey Bosa explore free agency:
- Age: The Bills have repeatedly bet on seasoned veterans to solve their pass-rushing woes.
While these players have had their moments, they often come past their prime. Bosa, approaching 31, exemplifies this trend.
A younger talent could offer a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.
- Production: Bosa's output has waned, with his last double-digit sack season in 2021.
Since then, he's surpassed five sacks in a season only once. His struggles with recognizing and countering stunts suggest he's no longer the disruptive force he once was.
This postseason, his impact was minimal, tallying just three tackles.
- Injuries: Despite playing in 15 games and the playoffs, Bosa's performance was hampered by lingering injuries.
Availability is crucial, but so is playing at full capacity. Like Von Miller and Tre'Davious White before him, Bosa's injury concerns raise questions about his effectiveness.
- Cost: Financially, retaining Bosa is a hefty commitment.
His one-year, $12.6 million deal didn't yield the expected returns, with his cost per sack proving unsustainable. With a projected annual value of $13.7 million, the Bills need more affordable and productive options.
- Undefined Role: Under Jim Leonhard's system, the emphasis is on versatile outside linebackers, a role that doesn't align with Bosa's skill set. As the Bills undergo a transformation in coaching and player dynamics, there's little room for a high-priced, aging defensive end who may not fit the new scheme.
In summary, while Joey Bosa has been a notable name on the Bills' roster, the team's evolving needs and his declining performance suggest it might be time for both parties to part ways. The Bills are poised for a fresh start, and finding a younger, more dynamic pass rusher could be the key to unlocking their defensive potential.