The Chargers’ Training Camp: Teammates react; Derwin James could be the highest-paid safety in NFL

The NFL Training Camp kicks off. Derwin James, the Los Angeles Chargers’ star safety, is at camp but isn’t practicing as the team works on an extension to their contract.

Brandon Staley states that S Derwin is not practising because of contract negotiations. James has been going through walk-thru parts of the practice.

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) July 27, 2022

James begins his fifth season as the Chargers’ highest-paid safety. Chargers coach Brandon Staley had this to say about James’ extension:

“He’s out here doing walkthroughs … He’s going to be working out, but he won’t be going full speed until that gets situated.”

Staley added:

” I think both parties have full respect for each other…They know how deeply we love Derwin. Derwin is aware of how much we love and respect him. Right now, we’re still in the process of completing that step. It will take time. When it does, he’ll be out there.”

James is certain to get the extension due to his locker-room presence and quick decision making. He also plays lights-out defense while being arguably the league’s best all-around defensive player.

In the last season James was named a Pro Bowler. He recorded 118 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks, and two interceptions. Prior to the 2021 campaign, James played in five games in 2019 due to a foot injury and missed all of 2020 due to a torn meniscus. James is two-time Pro Bowler.

James teammates were very proud of the safety, when they were asked about the hold-in on the extension.

Star wide-receiver Keenan Allen said in a tweet: “I’m pretty sure they’ll get that handled. This is a man we absolutely need. He is the core of defense. He is the heart and soul of the team .”

Chargers star edge-rusher Joey Bosa said in a Thursday press conference, according to Yahoo Sports:

“He puts in 100 percent every single day, so he’s just making the best decision for him right now. But the fact that he’s out here coaching the guys, fully involved, 100 percent locked in every day, it obviously means a lot to all of us. …

He obviously deserves whatever he’s going to get … He’s obviously one of the best, if not the best, at his position in the whole league.”

In 2018, former NFL player and current NFL broadcaster, Louis Riddick, said this about James on Twitter:

“Derwin James is special. His body language is the same as that of a safety you would need to perform on the field today. He has the same body language of another safety I scouted a long time ago who I hold in THE highest regard.”

The Chargers added a lot to their defensive line during the offseason. They brought in star edge-rusher Khalil Mak, J.C. Jackson and Kyle Van Noy.

The Chargers host the Las Vegas Raiders during Week 1 of this NFL season.

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