You can ask anyone around the globe whether they like to pay taxes. Everyone would probably have the same answer: ‘No’. Not a single soul on planet Earth likes to pay taxes. But it’s something we are obliged to do because of government rules and regulations. However, not every state in the USA follows the same tax laws. And surprisingly, taxes could actually help the Bucs land 5-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa. The Bucs may not know yet, but their former defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is on a recruiting trail to bring Bosa into Tampa next season.

Commenting on a post where news of Bosa soon hitting free agency was shared, McCoy, on his X, wrote, “California taxes too expensive anyway. You ever been down south? I know a place with no state taxes……….. 👀” Well, Gerald actually has a point. California is infamous for having the nation’s highest individual income tax rates. It is known for taxing 1% to 12.3% based on your income. As for Bosa, who was set to make over $25.36M in 2025, he would have to pay taxes over 12.3% of his total income.

And you can also throw in some property tax that hovers above 0.68% on average. So, it’s really a bit expensive, or you can say a lot, to reside in California. Considering Bosa has spent his last 9 years in LA, he already has paid enough. This could urge him to pack his bags and start a new chapter in Tampa Bay, where there is no state income tax. That’s right. Florida’s constitution saves individuals from paying taxes. And it also prevents imposing new taxes or even raising older ones. Sweet!!!

There are actually too many financial benefits for Bosa if he selects Tampa Bay as his next destination. And you know what? It could be a slap in the face of the Chargers, who have enough to retain Bosa. They just don’t want to pay him $12.36M of his roster bonus that is due in March. Why, you ask? Because Bosa clearly isn’t in his prime like he used to be a few years back. Constant trouble with injuries since 2022 has impacted Bosa’s time on the gridiron. Over the last three seasons, he has only managed to play 28 games, with 14 of those coming last year. And in that span, Bosa has just 52 combined tackles with a measly 14 sacks.

See, with the Bolts moving on from Bosa, it’s not like the Bucs are the only ones interested in scooping him up. There are a few other franchises, including his brother, Nick Bosa’s 49ers who lead the race to land the Chargers defensive lineman.

The 49ers lead the race as Joey Bosa’s possible new home

Super Bowl LVIII’s runners-up had a miserable year in what was supposed to be a vengeful one. The 49ers finished dead last in their NFC West with a record of 6-11. There was a regression on both sides of the football, with their pass rush experiencing a 2% drop in win rate. It dropped from 43% in 2023 to 41% last year. Despite Joey Bosa’s younger brother, Nick Bosa, churning up 52 combined tackles and 9 sacks, the problems were just too much.

So that’s why USA Today’s Cory Woodroof has predicted the 49ers could reunite the Bosa brothers in the Bay Area next season. “The 49ers need more juice off the edge, and they could look to Nick Bosa’s elder brother as the solution. Putting the Bosa brothers together in Santa Clara could spell problems for the rest of the NFL.”

With $50.6M in salary cap, the 49ers could easily make this happen if they really want to get the brothers together. However, they could face competition from another NFC rival, the Lions. They also boast a slightly higher cap space, $51.8M, that could spell trouble in their path to securing Joey’s signature. Well, right now, everything’s just ifs and buts. Until the Bolts do finalize their divorce with Joey Bosa, nothing is concrete. But one thing is for sure: that choice of not having to share your income with others could be too much for Bosa to reject.