The Los Angeles Chargers have signed defensive lineman Teair Tart to a one-year contract worth up to $5.5 million, according to Adam Schefter.
While Tart played well for the team on his one-year contract and they do need bodies at the position, fan’s frustrations are mounting as high-level free agents come off the board and the Chargers aren’t making bold moves. The expectations were high as the Bolts sit with the second-most salary cap space in the league — $93.8 million.
The Chargers have re-signed Khalil Mack, Elijah Molden, JK Scott, and Bradley Bozeman. Their one new addition was for Donte Jackson, a veteran cornerback.
Most fans were expecting the team to lock in a receiver, a true pass-catching tight end, a running back (or two), a complementary pass rusher after cutting Joey Bosa, a real answer at linebacker, and a lockdown corner. So far, they have yet to check anything off that list.
Los Angeles Chargers Re-Sign DT Teair Tart
Tart, a 28-year-old undrafted free agent from Florida International University, entered the NFL in 2020 with the Tennessee Titans. After initially being cut and then added to the practice squad, he eventually earned a spot on the active roster and later re-signed with the team.
However, Tart’s 2023 season ended with his release from the Titans in December, reportedly due to concerns about his effort and attitude. This led to a series of short stints with the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins, before he ultimately joined the Chargers. Despite these frequent team changes and limited playing time—he didn’t start a game for the Chargers in 2024 and has never played more than 47% of defensive snaps in a season—Tart has demonstrated significant on-field impact, particularly against the run.
Alongside Poona Ford, Tart proved instrumental in the Chargers’ run defense, even within a scheme emphasizing two deep safeties. When Tart was on the field, opponents averaged 4.2 yards per carry and a 36.4% rushing success rate, compared to 5.0 yards and 39.7% when he was off the field. In addition to his run-stopping abilities, Tart shows potential as a disruptive pass rusher, consistently generating pressure despite limited sack production. His ability to disrupt plays makes him a valuable asset to the Chargers’ defensive line.
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