Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu is entering his fourth NFL season, and while contract talks remain ongoing, his focus is on getting ready for the season.
Tuipulotu spoke to reporters Monday and made it clear that his attention is on the Week 1 matchup against the Cardinals, not his contract situation.
“I got to go out there and play good for my team. I just want to win games and I think everybody knows that, so I just want to win," Tuipulotu said.
“I’m just ready to play the season,” Tuipulotu said.
“That’s kind of where my mind is at. Let’s play ball, play good for my team and win games. That’s pretty much it.”
General manager Joe Hortiz appeared on the Chargers Weekly Podcast last week and said both sides are eager to get a deal done.
“I just
told him we’ll keep working on this, and you keep doing you," Hortiz said. "When we get to a spot where you feel good about it, we’ll get it done.”
Tuipulotu has certainly earned a new contract. His 2025 season was his best yet, recording 49 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 23 quarterback hits, 13 sacks and three passes defended. Those numbers earned him the first Pro Bowl nod of his career.
However, Tuipulotu's 2026 season could blow his 2025 season out of the water.
The 24-year-old is still seeking a lucrative contract, but if a deal doesn't materialize this season, he could be in line for a major payday in the spring of 2027, especially if he performs at his usual level — or better.
Tuipulotu has recorded 144 tackles, 52 quarterback hits, 39 tackles for loss and 26 sacks in 50 games.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' Tuli Tuipulotu makes stance on contract situation
