The bulk of the Los Angeles Chargers' core is signed for the foreseeable future, but they have one big-time difference maker going into the final year of his rookie deal. And that's edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu.
In an article written by ESPN, Chargers beat reporter Kris Rhim revealed that Tuipulotu is someone to watch out for.
"Fresh off a career-best 13.5 sacks, which ranked sixth in the NFL, Tuipulotu is due for a payday. He heads into the final season of his rookie contract as the biggest remaining domino for general manager Joe Hortiz. The Chargers and Tuipulotu's representation have discussed an extension throughout the offseason, but a deal hasn't yet been agreed to."
And the longer that Los Angeles waits, the more they risk his price increasing on the eventual extension.
Chargers have every reason to reward Tuli Tuipulotu sooner than later
Tuipulotu came into the league as a 2023 second-round pick and has improved his play in each season with the Chargers. In 50 games (36 starts), he's logged 144 total tackles, 52 QB hits, 26 sacks, and five forced fumbles. He's seen his sacks and QB hits increase in every season, displaying his ability to consistently get after the quarterback. It's no secret that he knows how to wreck games, and the Chargers need to pay him sooner rather than later.
Season | Sacks | QB Hits | Total Pressures |
|---|---|---|---|
2023 | 4.5 | 12 | 51 |
2024 | 8.5 | 17 | 40 |
2025 | 13 | 23 | 70 |
His sack total in 2025 was sixth in the league, while his total pressure numbers were 10th. The USC product knows how to get after the quarterback. They still have Khalil Mack under contract for one more year, but after that, he could sign elsewhere or even retire since he's 35 years old. Los Angeles added Akheem Mesidor in the first round, but banking on a rookie is always risky.
That's why it's imperative the Chargers get an extension done with Tuipulotu. He's shown that he gets better with the more he plays, and having an effective pass rusher can't be understated. The best teams in the league have a star pass rusher, and the Chargers have one in the building.
If he comes out and has another stellar campaign, his price will only increase. And that's questionable considering how much edge rushers get paid at the top of the market. The top ten highest-paid edge rushers are all getting at least $28 million annually.
That seems like a launching point at the negotiating table for Tuipulotu and Los Angeles. The 23-year-old expressed that he doesn't know the timeline for an extension, but made it clear he's going to be around.
"I'm going to be here. I'm going to be with the team."
He wants to be around for the long haul, and the quicker the Chargers can hammer out an extension, the better it will be for both sides.
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