Tuli Tuipulotu is the best-kept secret in the NFL. Those who watched the LA Chargers last season know he was the best player on the entire defense. Not just on the defensive line, but the entire defense.
Tuipulotu's incredible 2025 campaign was made even better by how quickly it came together for him in the NFL. The former USC Trojan still only has three years of NFL experience under his belt. He doesn't turn 24 until September.
The Chargers were comfortable letting Odafe Oweh walk in free agency because they have a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher already on the roster. And it's not just a hometown bias. Tuipulotu's 2025 season put him in an elite company that should warrant a nine-figure payday from the Chargers. Steven Haglund of the Guilty As Charged Podcast breaks it down:
Edge rushers since 2006 to have at least 70 pressures and 12 sacks in a season before turning 24, per PFF (reg szn only):
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) April 3, 2026
Tuli Tuipulotu (2025)
Micah Parsons (2022)
Joey Bosa (2017)
Khalil Mack (2015)
Von Miller (2012)
Aldon Smith (2012)
Shawne Merriman (2006)
Pretty decent… pic.twitter.com/pKaBAj7SfF
Chargers have every reason to give Tuli Tuipulotu a $100 million contract
If you weren't convinced of Tuipulotu already, hopefully that list helps put it into perspective. There isn't a bad name on that list and it's not a case of number manipulation to get the Chargers' edge rusher on a list with other greats. Thats truly how special he has been.
The Chargers saw this firsthand and they can't waste any time in signing Tuipulotu to a long-term deal. The 2023 second-round pick is extension eligible this offseason and the more the Chargers wait, the riskier it gets.
Los Angeles will get a lower price if it works out an extension now vs. letting him hit the open market next offseason. The market will only continue to go up with time and other talent-hungry teams will also raise the price.
Plus, the last thing the Chargers need is for this to bleed into the season with some kind of hold-in or hold-out. The odds of Tuipulotu missing time because of this is near zero, but it still would create an unnecessary distraction ahead of what should be a contending season.
The Chargers have been relatively frugal in the Joe Hortiz era. It will truly be the straw that breaks the camel's back if the front office lets that extend to internal talent as well. Tuipulotu has earned a $100 million+ contract, and if this list is any indication, he hasn't even scratched the surface on his how good he can be.
Tuipulotu isn't known as being one of the best edge rushers in the sport across the league but that is bound to change soon. With another great season in 2026, the rest of the NFL world will see the same thing Chargers fans see: an all-world player.