The Los Angeles Chargers, to this point in training camp, have had one central storyline looming over each practice— the semi-participation of Tuli Tuipulotu as he continues to negotiate his contract extension with the organization.
Tuipulotu has been on the field for individual reps and suited up for one rep of 7-on-7 drills yesterday. But apart from that, Jim Harbaugh has declined to state whether Tuipulotu's absence is a result of his negotiations. To this point, we have no concrete confirmation that Tuipulotu is engaging in a 'hold-in'.
But from an outside perspective, it certainly seems like that's what's going on.
Harbaugh has classified Tuipulotu's process as a 'ramp-up', though, and that seems to be ringing true as the Chargers continue Week 2 of camp. Although Wednesday was simply a walkthrough, Tuipulotu was a full participant in 11-on-11 drills.
Although it doesn't mean we're on the precipice of a deal being signed, it's a sign that things are moving in the right direction on that front.
Tuli Tuipulotu is continuing to ramp up in Chargers training camp
It's not clear what the hold up is on Tuipulotu's contract. Perhaps the two parties are nailing down the guarantees or the particular details of his new deal.
But it is clear that Tuipulotu deserves to get paid for his production. Across 16 games last season, Tuipulotu amassed 70 total pressures, 13 sacks, and two forced fumbles, cementing himself as the alpha pass rusher on Jesse Minter's defense. The Chargers' pass rush was still dependent upon the production of Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh, but Tuipulotu was the real weapon on the defensive front.
With Mack perhaps entering the final season of his career and some uncertainty surrounding what Akheem Mesidor can provide in his rookie campaign, Tuipulotu's role will only grow in importance in 2026.
It would be easy to see him earning a deal in the range of four years and $100 million, perhaps even stretching a bit higher depending on what the market dictates. The Chargers preserved cap space this offseason, stretching into 2027 and beyond, specifically to accommodate this sort of payday for the fourth-year outside linebacker.
It's unclear whether Tuipulotu's participation in the walkthrough, which was conducted without pads, means anything for his participation in the fully-padded practices that will take place before his deal is ultimately signed. But as new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary attempts to implement his scheme, they need to get a deal done with Tuipulotu as soon as common ground is able to be found.
His full participation today, at the very least, is likely a sign they're headed in the right direction.
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