Report: Chargers, Bosa resume contract talks amid holdout

Though the standoff between Joey Bosa and the San Diego Chargers continues, communication lines appear to have reopened.

San Diego resumed contract talks with its first-round pick this week, sources on both sides of the negotiations told Jarrett Bell of USA Today Sports. Proposals were reportedly last exchanged near the end of July.

Although the base value of Bosa's rookie deal is already set, certain aspects of the contract's structure are still holding up talks nearly four months after he was drafted.

Reports indicate that Bosa's camp will accept either offset language or the deferral of a signing bonus, but not both. The Chargers, having already earned a reputation as tough negotiators, are seemingly intent on hammering out a deal that includes both.

While the lack of progress - and apparent hostility involved - has produced speculation about whether Bosa could sit out his entire rookie season and re-enter the draft next April, that scenario remains incredibly unlikely.

It's more realistic to expect an agreement will be reached before the start of the regular season, if not soon after. Meanwhile, however, every day Bosa misses is crucial for a first-year player expected to have an immediate role.

Darius Philon will continue to see reps as the first-team defensive end opposite Corey Liuget until the Chargers can get Bosa under contract.