Speculation it would happen came to fruition on Wednesday night when news came the Los Angeles Chargers are releasing defensive end Joey Bosa. With age, injuries, declining production and the ability to clear a big chunk of cap space in play, it was not a shocking move.
The conversation of course now shift to where Bosa might land. Joining his brother Nick with the San Francisco 49ers is an easy one, and any team in need of pass rush help could be in the mix.
Among the most obvious team needs this offseason is edge rusher for the Detroit Lions. It's worth noting Za'Darius Smith, who was acquired at last year's trade deadline, has not shared the field with Aidan Hutchinson yet. But another piece would be helpful.
Along that line, the Lions have been easy to tie to Bosa if/when he became available. It's fair to assume the Chargers attempted to trade him, and found no takers.
Lions are too easy to name as a possible landing spot for Joey Bosa
Right in line with the easy to follow train, John Breech of CBS Sports put the Lions on his list of seven potential landing spots for Bosa.
"The Lions don't really have any strong pass-rushers outside of Aidan Hutchinson and that became a problem after Hutchinson went down with. To give you an idea of how bad things were for the Lions: Hutchinson led the team in sacks last season even though he only played in FIVE games. Hutchinson finished with 7.5 sacks while no other player on the team finished with more than four. With Marcus Davenport set to hit free agency, the Lions could use some pass-rushing help, and at the right price Bosa would make some sense for Detroit."
Bosa did just earn the fifth Pro Bowl selection of his career, but it was not based on Pro Bowl-worthy production (five sacks). He played 14 games, equaling his total from the previous two seasons, and approaching his 30th birthday durability concerns aren't going away.
Bosa could be signed cheaply, which would theoretically be in the Lions' wheelhouse. But even that is not a lock, and having Hutchinson opposite him to line him for favorable situations would not be a big change from what he has had in Los Angeles with Khalil Mack.
The Lions should be surveying a wide array of options to add a veteran edge rusher. But they aren't so desperate they have to sign the shell of what was once one of the best pass rushers in the league.
