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The Los Angeles Chargers will keep key member of the defense
The moves for the Los Angeles Chargers are starting to heat up.
After hiring former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as the next offensive coordinator, the Bolts are now focusing on retaining players for the 2026 season.
The Chargers’ defense was one of the best in the league, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per game and just 20 points per game, while tying for the 10th most sacks.
Now focused on holding down the squad, the Bolts have made their first move before free agency.
Bringing Back Defensive Lineman
GettyThe Chargers have extended a member of their defensive line squad
According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, the Chargers have extended defensive tackle Teair Tart to a three-year deal worth $37.5 million.
Tart’s big payday comes after one of his better seasons as a professional football player. The defensive lineman recorded 32 tackles (the second most in his career) and 4 pass deflections.
According to ESPN, Tart had 12 run stops in the 2025 season, which was a key reason for the Chargers to bring him back.
The defender also had his best playoff performance in the AFC wildcard loss to the New England Patriots, registering a sack, 4 tackles and a pass deflection.
Teair Tart has yet to comment on his contract extension, but has taken to Instagram and reposted the tweet confirming his new deal.
Before agreeing to his contract extension to remain in the City of Angels, Tart was on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million. Now, he is on a contract worth almost 10 times as much.
During his time with the Los Angeles Chargers, Tart has recorded 61 tackles, a sack, an interception and two forced fumbles.
Still In Search Of Defensive Coordinator
GettyThe Chargers are searching for a new defensive coordinator
While Teair Tart has played some of his best football over the last two seasons, he will now be doing it with a different defensive playcaller.
Jesse Minter, who joined Jim Harbaugh’s staff from Michigan, has taken a promotion and has become the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens on a four-year deal.
The Chargers have begun the search for their next DC, which includes some notable names.
Former Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr, LA Rams assistant head coach/pass game Aubrey Pleasant, and Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson had interviews for the job in Los Angeles — Wilson took the job with the NY Giants.
Whoever the next defensive playcaller will be for the Bolts, they will have big shoes to fill after Minter’s departure.
In the two seasons under the former DC, Los Angeles had the number one and 10th-best scoring defense in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Whoever ends up being the next defensive coordinator will work with Teair Tart and other key contributors on the defensive side of the ball to get the best from the team.
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. More about Jason Garcia
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