Bolts From The Blue
The Chargers finally put pen to paper this week and signed 2026 first-round draft pick Akheem Mesidor to his rookie contract. Per NFL insider Adam Schefter, the deal is a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth up to $20,456,392.
With Mesidor’s contract now signed, fourth-round wide receiver Brenen Thompson is now the only member of the Chargers’ 2026 draft class left with his contract done.
Mesidor, along with veterans Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, are expected to produce as one of the best pass rush trios in the league. Similar to how Mack, Tuipulotu, and Odafe Oweh were a ferocious group getting after the quarterback in 2025, this new group under Chris O’Leary has the potential to be just as good, if not better.
Even at an “advanced” age, Mesidor could pay immediate dividends as a rookie, given that he’s 25 and already entering his prime as opposed to a 20-year old kid with much less experience.
Mesidor was a First-Team All-ACC selection in 2025 and a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive end. He finished his final season with 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles while starting 15 games. At 6’3 and 260 pounds, Mesidor also offers the versatility to kick inside and rush from the interior in specific packages. So imagine, a front four of Mack, Tuli, Mesidor, and Tart with someone like Daiyan Henley and/or Derwin James walked up on the line.
Sounds good to me!
