Per ESPN's Kris Rhim, standout DT Teair Tart and the Chargers have agreed to terms on a new extension to keep him in Los Angeles. The new deal is reportedly three years for up to $37.5 million ($20 million guaranteed). Tart was scheduled to hit free agency in March before signing today's extension.
It was a true breakout season for Tart where he was able to build off of his 2024 campaign with the Chargers. Tart set a new single-season career high in run stops with 24. 2025 was Tart's highest graded run defense season with a PFF score of 74.7. He matched 2024's pass rush productivity with 18 pressures.
Teair Tart gets a big extension with the Chargers (and rightfully so).
What also helped Tart's case for an extension was his great performance in the Wild Card game vs. New England. Against the Patriots, Tart scored the highest PFF defensive grade on the team with an 89.0. He had three pressures, three run stops, and one massive sack on QB Drake Maye in the backfield:
Earned every bit of that extension. 24 run stops (career high), 18 pressures-stepped up big time after Poona Ford's departure.
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) January 26, 2026
Teair Tart vs. the Pats in the playoffs:
3 pressures, 1 sack, 89.0 PFF defense grade.
Nice to have a core piece of the defense on lock! https://t.co/Rf4DbbBcSa pic.twitter.com/4ZMpX2DL5z
Last offseason, the Chargers let DT Poona Ford walk on over to the other locker room at SoFi as he signed with the Rams in free agency. Tart's 2025 season was one of the key reasons that the move didn't derail their defense in addition to the play of free agency acquisition DT Da'Shawn Hand. Hand is currently slated to be a free agent in March.
The loss of Jesse Minter will have an impact on the defense. The Chargers probably can't rely on getting the exact same level of production from bargain bin free agent contracts next year. That's why the goal this offseason should be trying to keep as much of the continuity on defense as possible. Keeping Tart is a move towards that vision.
Other key Chargers projected defensive free agents include EDGE Khalil Mack, EDGE Odafe Oweh, LB Denzel Perryman, CB Benjamin St-Juste, DT Da'Shawn Hand, LB Del'Shawn Phillips, S Tony Jefferson, and CB Deane Leonard. From now until March, the Chargers have a window to get at least a few of these contracts done in the same way they did Tart's deal.
Tart was cut from multiple stops in Tennessee and Miami due to reported "attitude" and "effort" issues. He's since found a home with the Chargers and rejuvenated his career. It's a testament to Tart's work ethic over the past two seasons. It's also part of an improved defensive culture Los Angeles has fostered since the arrival of Harbaugh and Minter.