EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu is the next contract extension the Chargers have to get done following Derwin James' deal. 2026 is the last season of Tuipulotu's rookie contract before he cashes in. Last season, the USC product had his true breakout campaign. Tuipulotu had career highs in sacks (13.0) and pressures (75). 13 sacks was good enough for sixth-most in the league last season.
Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Tuipulotu doesn't turn 24 until the season begins in September. There's still so much room for growth and development on top of what he's already achieved in the league to this point. Banking on how much he's already improved from year to year, the Chargers would love to get a deal done with arguably their best pass rusher before the season starts.
How complicated will the Chargers' negotiations with EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu be?
At his first media availability of the offseason on Thursday, Tuipulotu was obviously asked about the status of contract negotiations with the Chargers. Asked if he has thought about it, LA's star pass rusher said this:
"Yeah, a little bit," Tuipulotu admitted. "I just let my agent, let the guys handle that. I'm just going to try to be here with the team, you know what I'm saying? Be close with the guys."
Tuipulotu reaffirmed after a follow-up question that regardless of contract status, he'd be with the team.
ESPN's Kris Rhim then asked Tuipulotu a key differentiating question about whether or not he would be at camp while sitting out certain activities if a deal wasn't done. "Time will tell. We'll see what's up, for sure," Tuipulotu answered.
LT Rashawn Slater attended mandatory minicamp and training camp last year but sat out a number of team activities before he got a contract extension done. While it wasn't formally designated as a "hold in" per se, Slater did return to full participation in team activities shortly after receiving his record-breaking extension.
Unfortunately, he had his season ended just a few weeks later after suffering a torn patellar tendon in practice. But much like Tuipulotu's situation now, for example, that underscores the point of it being critical to secure an extension before a player goes full speed in July or August. "Hold ins" are a way the team and player can avoid some of the fines, drama, and media attention.
As Tuipulotu said himself, "time will tell" regarding an extension and what his level of practice activity by training camp. For the most part, the Chargers have gotten their recent big money internal extensions done on time.
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