With no deal, Chargers withdraw offer to first-rounder Bosa

Bosa, the only 2016 1st round pick who hasn’t signed a contract, was presented with the Chargers’ “Best Offer” which is now off the table. But he joined the active roster on November 4 and spent the rest of the season there, playing in six games. San Diego re-signed Square for the 2016 season on March 11. It was declined. Having communicated to Bosa’s rep Brian Ayrault the offer was the best that was coming, the Chargers have rescinded the proposal, citing that his ability to a contribute over a full 16-game season in 2016 now has been jeopardized with the time Bosa has missed. “There’s not really much you can do about it”.

Yes, the Chargers are willing to pay Bosa a significant amount of money up front (which the first two bullet points cover) but the offer does not provide any security on the backend, which should be the ultimate concern for players in a sport that offers little in the way of long-term security.

San Diego is high on the league’s claim list because of the team’s high draft status this year.

Bosa has not reported to training camp due to disputes over when his signing bonus will be distributed.

However, Bosa also may be taking a gamble if the Chargers stand firm. The team has its first game in 18 days, and it claims it’s ready to play it without the rookie defensive end. The Chargers want to give a big chunk of the bonus next March.

So for now, the Chargers and Telesco will have to rely on players currently available on the roster.

The Chargers’ statement Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016, said they believe “Joey will be unable to contribute for the full 16-game season without the adequate time on the practice field, in the classroom, and in preseason games”.

From all indications, financially Bosa is in a position where he can sit out the season and go back in next year.

While the Chargers aren’t relying on Square to be a starter this season, he was slated to play a major role as a reserve defensive tackle. Perhaps the team hits free agency to find some bodies until Bosa and Square arrive.

So once again, this contract stalemate remains in a holding pattern until someone budges.