The Los Angeles Chargers have signed defensive tackle Teair Tart to a three-year contract extension, that can reach $37.5 million and includes $20 million in guaranteed money, sources told ESPN. Tart acknowledged the agreement on social media, sharing the message “Bolt Up!” shortly after the news became public.
Tart’s return solidifies the heart of a defensive line that faced uncertainty after Poona Ford departed in free agency. Although the Chargers added rookie Jamaree Caldwell and veteran Da’Shawn Hand to fill the void, Tart quickly emerged as the unit’s anchor, delivering the strongest campaign of his career. His physical style and ability to disrupt opposing rushing attacks helped stabilize the interior and elevate the defense into one of the league’s most reliable groups.
An undrafted free agent in 2020, Tart spent time with multiple teams before landing in Los Angeles as a short-term addition in 2024. Under coordinator Jesse Minter, he flourished, becoming a vital presence during the team’s surprising playoff run. Even after Minter left to become head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, the Chargers made retaining Tart a priority, viewing him as a cornerstone for the next phase of their rebuild.
During the 2025 season and postseason, Tart started all 18 games, recording 36 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a recovery. His standout performance came in a wild-card loss to the New England Patriots, where he deflected a pass that set up an interception, added his first sack since 2024, and finished with multiple tackles for loss.
With Tart now under contract, general manager Joe Hortiz can turn his focus to other pressing offseason decisions. The Chargers are evaluating candidates for defensive coordinator while also working to retain key contributors, including outside linebackers Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh. Rising pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, who posted 13.5 sacks in 2025, is also eligible for an extension as he enters the final year of his deal. On the offensive side, the team recently named former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as its new coordinator, signaling a broader push to reshape the roster and coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season.
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