Two topics here to discuss, one accompanied by an article from The Athletic.
First….Tuli’s extension. I feel he is an ascending player who, while probably unlikely to reach Khalil Mack level accolades, is still of that tough, lunch pail mentality and has increased his production every year….all while still being only 24. I say he’s essential and should get paid. Your takes?
Now the article. I’m a little surprised the author didn’t take the easy route and name McDaniels. What are your expectations for O’Leary? Do you anticipate a defensive drop-off or equivalent performance/production? I think very similar, though I do have concerns about the CB group.
Soon we’ll have training camp to discuss.
Go Bolts!!!
Watching other players get extended around the league and still nothing for Tuli. Gotta wonder just what the sticking point is….only 2 year of elite sack/pressure #s? Too much ask for guaranteed money? I tend to agree with this article. I think, especially with Mack’s retirement likely imminent, that retaining Tuli is a priority.
6 reasons why the Chargers can’t afford to wait on Tuli Tuipulotu https://share.google/KKgNxVkaazEEIsVVZ
There is no way they can let Tuli leave.
So about last night…
One of the biggest question marks coming into this season was not about our star OC but our rookie DC and I thought the lack of run integrity was really showing in a bad way. It got to the point that on that big run they actually happened to be in position and multiple players still messed up the play.
I think last night’s loss starts with the Coaches for the uninspired play we saw but it also showcases the learning curve for the new offense and O’Leary. The SF Defense knows the Offense we run because the blocking schemes are the same so I’m not surprised when their Defenders overplay a look and have success. In some ways, its a really good lesson for our OL and TEs because for example if Kolar holds his block on that 1st play a tad longer, Hampton gains 5+ instead of -1 as Njoku is able to seal off that edge even if Kolar doesn’t get 2nd level for a giant run. That’s simple stuff.
I also put some of those Illegal Formations on Trey Lance for not knowing his playbook to know when he’s got 8 on the LOS and when he can’t snap the ball or send a guy in motion. You’ve been playing QB for far too long to not even know a HS rule. DJU needs to play over Lance against the Rams to see what he can handle at this point.
Slater is supposed to practice this weekend but if he’s not full go the rest of Camp, I question his ability to be in game shape for Week 1 and if that’s the case, I would much rather see us trot Burke out at RT and shelve Pipkins instead of seeing him play LT. Burke has such a higher floor than Pipkins. That we haven’t seen Alt take any reps at LT may be viewed as how much the team believes in Slater but I’ve also seen enough from Burke in 2 games to know that he’s only going to get better with more experience and reps.
If Slater were going to be out to start the season I don’t think there’s any way in hell they would plug in a rookie at LT. If Slater was forced to miss the first 3+ weeks then Alt would be slid over to LT to start the season. If they believed in Burke that much they should be comfortable with him at RT.
I can’t imagine Alt not sliding over to LT if Slater can’t go. IMO it would be malfeasance to do otherwise.
Exactly, Burke has been impressive, but its a huge leap from Preseason week 2 against roster bubble guys to NFL starters, even on a terrible team.
Alt, Tuli, and Ladd all make honorable mention.
Where’s Tuli’s extension?????
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7519747/2026/08/21/nfl-top-players-25-and-under-rankings/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail
It seems odd for 1 reason alone to me – the team can always Franchise Tag him. At the cost of the Tag for the next 2 years it would seem that there’s no chance he hits the open market so you might as well accept that likelihood. So I think its probably about total guaranteed money as the primary holdup at this point and to that end, the team has the advantage since Tuli has to play this year and well to get the big money offer next year.
No way Alt isn’t in the top 25. If you allowed all of these players to be drafted, Alt would go top 5.
Popper on Tuli.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7478828/2026/07/29/tuli-tuipulotu-chargers-contract-training-camp/?source=athletic_freeweeklyemail&campaign=602288&userId=12566676&source=athletic_weeklyemail
They need to get a deal done. Tuli + Mack + Mesidor have the potential to be an elite group. If Kennard or Tucker can set up and beat out Dupree, the edge room could be a strength of the defense. Don’t need to be effing around with a contract into September. This needs to get done in the next 2 weeks.
I agree. As I said in another thread, Tuli is a young, ascending, critical player on this team who has shown the desire and intent to improve. This is also a “culture” test, IMO. If you’re going to indicate you want to draft, develop, and retain your best players vs big free agency spending then this is a place to prove it.
Completely agree. They have a lot of dudes they’re going to have to pay in the next two years. Good problem to have I guess, as this means you’re drafting well. It will be interesting to see who the sign and who they let walk for comp picks..
Regardless, they need to get Tuli done in the next 2-3 weeks.
Yeah….I don’t disagree with seeking comp picks but I see Tuli as more valuable than an at best 3rd round swing. Even if he doesn’t consistently put up 13+ sacks/yr., I believe his overall value and age warrants a top 10 position payday.
Tui makes the top 10 list for contract negotiations.
Get it done, Hortiz. If you’re serious about paying/retaining your homegrown stars, show it.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7473910/2026/07/28/nfl-contracts-training-camp-cj-stroud-puka-nacua/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail