Chargers’ Tuli Tuipulotu Could Engage In Hold-In

When asked about the possibility of an agreement not being in place by the start of training camp, Tuipulotu said (via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper) he would not rule out a hold-in. “Time will tell,” he added, on the matter of what will take place in the absence of an extension. Tuipulotu has long been identified as the target for negotiations on a long-term deal, one which would bring about a considerable raise.

Across each of his three years in the NFL, the former second-rounder has increased his production. Tuipulotu managed 4.5 sacks as a rookie, followed by 8.5 the following year. While operating as a full-time starter in 2025, he racked up 13 sacks and 32 pressures en route to a Pro Bowl nod. Tuipulotu is entering his age-24 season, so a multiyear commitment would confirm his status as a defensive pillar for 2026 and beyond.

The Chargers benefitted from their midseason trade acquisition of Odafe Oweh, but he wound up signing with the Commanders in free agency. Los Angeles will have Khalil Mack in the fold for at least one more season after he once again put off retirement to re-sign on a one-year deal. The Bolts made a notable draft investment along the edge by selecting Akheem Mesidor 22nd overall.

Regardless of Mack and Mesidor’s presence, Tuipulotu represents a cornerstone player for the Chargers. It would come as little surprise if extension talks yielded a deal, as they did in the case of Derwin James earlier this offseason. If that is not the case, however, Tuipulotu could avoid taking part in training camp practices. A holdout would not result in mandatory fines since he is attached to his rookie contract, but the USC product could stage a hold-in by attending training camp while not participating. That move has become increasingly popular in recent years among players seeking extensions.

Mack’s deal for 2026 is worth a fully guaranteed $18MM, but with fellow veteran Bud Dupree only under contract through this season the Bolts do not have any notable financial commitments along the edge beginning in 2027. That would change if/when a Tuipulotu deal were to be worked out, although his stance on this matter will be worth watching closely leading up to camp.