Chargers Third Year EDGE Predicted to Have Breakout Season

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LA Chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotou.

The Los Angeles Chargers released nine-year vet and five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa, who has spent the entirety of his career with the team, to make cap space.

With Bosa’s departure, it would allow other players on the defensive line to get more snaps during the season.

SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta released his AFC West predictions for players who could have a breakout year and named EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu for the Bolts. Here’s what he said:

“Tuipulotu has been waiting for a full time role since entering the league. Now that Joey Bosa is a Bill, his chance to breakout is now. He’s super powerful and can set the edge in the run game and wins with power in the pass rush department. Tuipulotu increased his pressure rate to 10.5% from his rookie year, and with an expanded role on the team he should be able to get that even higher.”

“The Chargers’ defense is really well coached and having EDGE Khalil Mack next to you will definitely help, but Tuipulotu seems like he’s next in line for the leap at pass rusher.”

Tuli Tuipulotu led the team in sacks last season with 8.5 in his second season.

Ready to be the Top Edge Rusher

GettyLos Angeles Chargers EDGE rusher Tuli Tuipulotu.

The Chargers had two of their top three pass rushers entering the free agency this year in Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree.

During locker room cleanups after the conclusion of last season, Tuli Tuipulotu said he is ready to be the top EDGE rusher with the team.

“I feel like I’m ready. Whatever needs to be done, I’ma do it,” Tuipulotu told reporters (35:20). “I think I’ve showed that. Whatever the coach needs me to do, I’ll do it.”

While both Mack and Dupree both signed one-year deals to return to Los Angeles, Tuli should still see increased action with Bosa’s departure.

Chargers’ defensive coordinator called Tuipulotu an “ascending superstar type of player.”

Learning From Nine-Time Pro Bowler

Khalil Mack returns for year four with the Chargers.

Entering the league, the former USC Trojan product had the opportunity to learn from Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, both multiple-time Pro Bowlers.

Tuipulotu spoke to reporters about what it’s like having the pair as mentors entering the league.

“[Khalil Mack has] been my OG. He’s paved the way, he’s walked me into the league,” Tuipulotu said about Mack (36:30). “He’s showed me the roots and showed me the way to go and how to go about certain things. I appreciate him. Him and Joey.”

Mack praised the third-year player, highlighting his technique and attention to detail.

“Tuli is a special player. I’ve been saying that ever since he stepped foot in the building,” Mack said. “Knowing who he is and knowing what he brings on a consistent basis, he was already ready for [the starting role]. He’s been a starter essentially for the past three years…”

“It’s not going to be no surprise to me when he’s a 10, 12-plus sack guy this year.”

Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.  He is also covers college basketball for MidMajorBasketball.com. More about Jason Garcia