Chargers edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack each took a pay cut to remain in Los Angeles in Jim Harbaugh's new regime.
Both players noted on Wednesday that their decision was based on the belief that L.A. was the best place to pursue a winning season.
"You know, I want to win. I want to be on this team," Bosa said, via the team's official transcript. "I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil. Yeah, that's what it was and winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money. I think we have a great opportunity here. Who knows, maybe I'll have a great year this year and things change down the road. I think if a guy like Khalil is coming off a year with 17 sacks and can take that cut, it shows the kind of guy that he is and the kind of culture we have brewing here. That's who I want to be with. It was a pretty easy decision."
Bosa, who has played in just 14 games the past two seasons, took a pay cut from $22 million to $15 million, which is guaranteed, and can earn $4 million back in sack incentives. Mack's salary was reduced from $23.25 million to $19 million and cannot be franchise-tagged in 2025.
Mack reiterated Bosa's belief in what Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz are building in Los Angeles.
"I don't think it really got that deep from that thought process," Mack said of taking a pay cut. "Ultimately, it just came down to what we were willing to lose or what we were willing to gain. Ultimately, year 11. I'm trying to win. I know that this is the best chance and the best team for it."
The two edge rushers taking pay cuts while the club moved on from wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who declined to have their pay shaved, stands in stark contrast. The decisions also put the Chargers defense ahead of the offense in their rebuild.
Entering Year 11 with eight Pro Bowls, three first-team All-Pros and a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name, Mack wants a shot at the ultimate NFL prize.
"I mean, a lot things went into it, but ultimately just understanding where I am in my career right now," he said of the contract decision. "The best chance to win, ultimately, that's what it came down to. I don't have any years to waste. Just understanding the situation, understanding the guys in the locker room. That was the easy decision."
Keeping the edge pairing with emerging Tuli Tuipulotu and free agent addition Bud Dupree gives the Chargers pass rush oomph to keep them competitive as the offense finds its footing.
