The Los Angeles Chargers announced Wednesday they released star edge rusher Joey Bosa, making him a free agent a week before the new league year begins. Bosa was the No. 3 overall pick by Los Angeles in 2016,

The Los Angeles Chargers appear to have all but lost defensive end Joey Bosa in free agency. First, a report about Bosa’s next contract in free agency seemed to confirm that news. And now there’s this – according to Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard,

Joey Bosa's mother dropped an interesting hint on his next team following his release from the Los Angeles Chargers.

Following a successful nine-season run that included five Pro Bowl appearances, the Los Angeles Chargers decided to part ways with edge rusher Joey Bosa on Wednesday afternoon, cutting ties with the last remaining member of the San Diego Chargers in a move that will save the franchise nearly $26 million in cap space.

The NFL is a league of opportunity, and for Joey Bosa, his release from the Los Angeles Chargers presents a rare chance to take his career to new heights. After eight seasons in Southern California, Bosa now has the freedom to choose his next destination.

Immediately following the Los Angeles Chargers ' decision to release Joey Bosa, the 49ers were linked as a team who could sign him. Pairing Bosa with his younger brother, Nick Bosa, would be of interest to both San Francisco and Bosa himself.

As Joey Bosa closes the door with the Los Angeles Chargers, it is possible another one will open with the San Francisco 49ers where he could be paired with his brother Nick and form a dangerous duo off the edge.

“A lot of the edge rushers come with injury caveats. Los Angeles Chargers castoff Joey Bosa has connections in places such as San Francisco (Nick Bosa/Gus Bradley), Washington (Anthony Lynn), New Orleans (Brandon Staley) and New England (Mike Vrabel), and there’s a thought that he could get close to $15 million on a one-year deal.”

The Niners were pegged as a likely landing spot for edge rusher Joey Bosa when the Chargers released him last week and Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard reports that he has been having “good conversations” with the team.