Canadian Akheem Mesidor agrees to $20 million guaranteed rookie contract with Los Angeles Chargers: report

Photo courtesy: Los Angeles Chargers/Ty Nowell.

The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to terms with Canadian defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor on his rookie contract.

According to a report from ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the deal will pay the Ottawa native $20,456,392 over four years, all full guaranteed. The contract was negotiated by agents Robert Bailey and Drew Rosenhaus.

Mesidor was selected by the Chargers with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was just the seventh Canadian citizen ever to be selected in the first round and the highest pick from north of the border since Tim Biakabutuka was taken eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in 1996.

The six-foot-three, 265-pound defender had a brilliant season with the University of Miami in 2025, earning a first-team All-ACC selection and second-team All-American honours while helping the Hurricanes reach the CFP National Championship Game. He recorded 63 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles over 15 games.

The 25-year-old played six total collegiate seasons, previously earning two All-Big 12 selections and Freshman All-American honours with West Virginia University. He was an All-ACC honourable mention in 2022 and 2024 after transferring to Miami. Over 65 collegiate games, Mesidor made 208 total tackles, 52.5 tackles for loss, 35.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four pass knockdowns.

Mesidor began playing football for the North Gloucester Giants and attended several local area high schools before transferring to Royal Imperial Collegiate of Canada in St. Catharines, and finally at Clearwater Academy International in Florida. He was a consensus three-star recruit.

The Chargers will open the 2026 NFL season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 13, at 4:25 p.m. ET.