The Chargers are gearing up for the new season, which features a mix of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players are crucial to the team’s success this season.
Every day from now until the start of training camp, we’re counting down our 20 Most Important Chargers for the 2025 season. We’ll recap their 2024 season, look ahead, and hit on the biggest question facing them this year.
Next up at No. 12 is edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu.
Background
Age: 22
Position: Edge rusher
Experience: 3rd season
2025 cap hit: $1.19 million
2024 recap
In Tuipulotu’s second season in the league, he played in all 17 games, with nine starts, which came when injuries occurred to Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa. He led the Chargers in sacks with 8.5. He was also 16th among qualified edge rushers in pressure rate with 14.9%. While he was steady as a pass rusher, Tuipulotu wasn’t as effective as a run defender as he was in his rookie season. In Year 1, he posted an 88.4 run-defense grade in 2023, and that number dropped to 65.3 last season.
2025 season
With Joey Bosa now with the Bills, Tuipulotu is set up to start opposite Mack. Despite a career-high in sacks in 2024, Tuipulotu seemed to be more dependable in the pass-rush department in his rookie season. He must regain that consistency to continue to make the edge rusher group a strength of the defense. Nonetheless, the traits and talent are there for Tuipulotu to excel in the starting role. Veteran Bud Dupree and rookie Kyle Kennard will be behind Mack and Tuipulotu.
Big question: Can Tulipulotu successfully transition from a complementary role to a starting role?
We’re counting down our 30 Most Important Chargers of 2025. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp.
20. OL Bradley Bozeman
19. LB Junior Colson
18. TE Oronde Gadsden II
17. S Elijah Molden
16. RB Najee Harris
15. CB Cam Hart
14. DL Teair Tart
13. WR Tre Harris
12. EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
11. TBA
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This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 12 EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
