The Los Angeles Chargers are keen to keep safety Derwin James in their ranks for the remainder of his career. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has stated that ensuring James remains a Charger for life is a ‘high’ priority for the team.
Hortiz’s High Regard for James
Hortiz spoke about James’s importance to the organisation during an interview. He recounted how, in Baltimore, James was their number one ranked player in the draft. Hortiz said he told James he felt he ‘should’ve been a Raven’.
Hortiz highlighted James’s exceptional leadership qualities. He noted that James’s leadership, motivation, and energy are unique and make him one of the best he’s ever been around. Hortiz also praised James’s talent and character.
James’s Current Contract and Potential Future Payday
James, currently 29, signed a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension in 2022. He is now entering the final year of this agreement. After sitting out the 2020 season due to a knee injury, James has made five Pro Bowl appearances in his first seven seasons with Los Angeles.
Having been a first-round pick in 2018, James has become a significant presence in the Chargers’ defence. During his debut season, he earned first-team All-Pro honours and a Pro Bowl selection, recording 105 tackles, six QB hits, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions across 16 games.
As James enters his eighth NFL season, he is in line for a potentially lucrative contract. He is considered worthy of another contract with the Chargers.
Chargers’ Off-Season Moves
Whether James receives a new deal this summer remains to be seen. Hortiz has retained several notable players for the upcoming 2026 season. These include defensive tackle Teair Tart, who signed a three-year deal, and nine-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Khalil Mack, who is returning on a one-year deal.
- Teair Tart signed a three-year deal.
- Khalil Mack is returning on a one-year pact.
- Denzel Perryman is running it back for another season in Los Angeles.
- Tony Jefferson is running it back for another season in Los Angeles.
With the Chargers’ minicamp scheduled for June 16-18, there is a possibility that Hortiz and James could reach an agreement before the safety resumes football activities in the summer.