If the Detroit Lions seriously explore adding Joey Bosa, the conversation will begin and end with money. The former Chargers edge rusher remains one of the NFL’s most recognizable defensive stars, and even with recent injury interruptions, his résumé carries weight. A four-time Pro Bowler with 60+ career sacks before turning 30, Bosa would instantly command attention on the open market. The real question is: what would it cost Brad Holmes and the Lions to make it happen?

First, context matters. Elite edge rushers are among the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in football. The top of the market now exceeds $30 million per year, with players like Nick Bosa resetting the scale north of $34 million annually. Joey Bosa may not quite reach that tier due to injuries over the past few seasons, but his name value and proven production still place him comfortably in the premium bracket.

A realistic projection would likely land in the $22–28 million per year range, depending on structure and guarantees. If Bosa were seeking a multi-year commitment — say three years — the total contract value could fall between $66 million and $84 million. The critical piece, however, would be guaranteed money. For a player of Bosa’s stature, $40–50 million guaranteed would not be surprising, particularly if multiple teams are bidding.

From Detroit’s perspective, structure is everything. The Lions currently prioritize flexibility, having already invested heavily in cornerstone players like Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Adding Bosa would likely require creative cap management, including signing bonuses spread across void years to soften the immediate cap hit. For example, a three-year, $75 million deal with a $30 million signing bonus could lower his Year 1 cap number to around $12–15 million, making the move more digestible in the short term.

There’s also the risk factor. Bosa has missed significant time in recent seasons due to groin and foot injuries. Teams will account for that. Performance incentives tied to sacks, games played, and playoff appearances could be built into the contract to protect Detroit while still rewarding production. A base-heavy structure with roster bonuses would give the Lions flexibility if injuries persist.

Strategically, the move makes sense. Pairing Joey Bosa opposite Aidan Hutchinson would create one of the league’s most dangerous pass-rushing duos. Hutchinson already commands double teams; Bosa’s presence would prevent offenses from sliding protection in one direction. Even if Bosa delivers 10–12 sacks rather than his peak numbers, that production in a playoff-caliber defense could justify the investment.

However, Detroit must weigh opportunity cost. Allocating $25 million annually to Bosa could limit extensions for emerging talent or restrict midseason flexibility. The Lions have built their resurgence on depth, culture, and smart spending. A splash move of this magnitude would signal an aggressive “win-now” pivot.

Ultimately, the projected cost for Joey Bosa is significant but manageable if structured properly. Expect a deal in the $70–80 million total range, with roughly two-thirds guaranteed. For a team knocking on the Super Bowl door, that price may be steep — but so is the value of a game-changing edge rusher in January football.