Report: Chargers and Derwin James Haven’t Started Negotiations on Contract Extension Despite Mutual Interest

The Chargers and safety Derwin James have reportedly not started talks on a contract extension up to this point.

Chargers safety Derwin James is approaching the fifth and final year on his rookie contract. The Chargers must come to grips on a new deal with their former first-round pick in an effort to ensure he remains in Los Angeles.

USA Today's Tyler Dragon reports that the Chargers and James have not begun engaging in negotiations on a long-term contract. Dragon also noted that there is mutual interest on both sides to get a deal done at some point.

James, 25, was selected 17th overall in 2018 by the team. Currently, he's set to enter the 2022 season playing on the fifth-year option in which the Chargers have picked up.

Nov 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (33) celebrates after an interception in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Across James' first four seasons with the Chargers, his rookie deal included a four-year, $12.3 million contract that featured a $7.09 million signing bonus.

Traditionally, the market for paying safeties has been one that the NFL league-wide has been reluctant in doing with the exception of a few outliers. However, with everything James brings to the table and how valuable he is in Brandon Staley's defense – covering slot receivers, tight ends, running backs, assisting in the run game – he's expected to reset the market for paying safeties.

The one aspect that does make things a little more complicated for negotiating an extension with James is his injury history. 

When James is on the field, he's arguably the best safety in football. But he's missed a lot of games over his short career thus far. He missed all but five games in 2019 and was sidelined for the entire 2020 season. 

Feb 5, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James reacts during AFC practice at the Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

James returned to form in 2021, logging his second 100-plus tackle season along with two interceptions, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two sacks. Therefore, he has shown the ability to play at a Pro Bowl level following his two-year injury stint.

The Chargers sit with $56.3 million in cap space for the 2022 season, the third-most in the NFL. However, Mike Williams is a pending free agent and the defense will require a facelift this offseason, so the Chargers will have to get creative in how they go about their spending.

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Nick Cothrel is the publisher of Charger Report. Follow Nick and Charger Report on Twitter @NickCothrel & @ChargerReport for more Chargers coverage.