Chargers GM: Re-Signing S Derwin James A ‘High’ Priority

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz wants to keep Derwin James around for the long haul.

A former first round pick by the Chargers in 2018, James is a five-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. But he is set to become a free agent in 2027. Hortiz told Kay Adams on the “Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams” on Thursday that he values the contributions he has made throughout his career and that re-signing him is a top priority.

“It’s high,” he said.

“I’ve told the story: in Baltimore, we had Derwin up there as the number one player on our board in that draft, number one player available when we were picking, and we took a trade back and he got picked. And I said to him when I first met him, I’m like, ‘Gosh, you should have been a Raven. We traded away from you, but I’m glad you’re not because I’m here now.’ And man, he’s just such a special, special leader and person.

“And, like [quarterback] Justin [Herbert], the talent is real and it’s there. But the leader and motivator and energy he gives to everybody within the organization, throughout the entire building, is just … it’s so unique. [He is] one of the best I’ve ever been around in terms of leadership, character, and talent.”

The Chargers drafted James 17th overall out of Florida State in the 2018 NFL Draft. At the time, Hortiz was serving as the director of college scouting for the Ravens. The Ravens had the 14th pick but traded out of it for the 22nd pick, then traded down again with the Tennessee Titans for the 32nd pick, which they then used to draft quarterback Lamar Jackson.

James exploded onto the scene in his rookie year. He won the starting strong safety spot and played in all 16 games, registering 105 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 13 passes defended, and 3 interceptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl and won a double All-Pro nomination: Second Team as a defensive back. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team as well.

His sophomore season was derailed by a stress fracture in his foot that required surgery. He played in just 5 games and made 34 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a pass defense. He lost his entire 2020 season due to a torn meniscus.

He returned to form in 2021, racking up 118 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 sacks, 5 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. He was also named to the Pro Bowl again.

James signed a four-year, $76.5 million contract that made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at the time. He had another All-Pro and Pro Bowl season that year, racking up 115 tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 6 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.

In 2023, he had a career high in tackles with 125; he had 5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 7 pass defenses, a pick, and 2 fumble recoveries.

In 2024, he racked up 93 tackles and had career highs behind the line of scrimmage: 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He also matched his totals against the pass from 2023 with 7 PDs and a pick, and added a fumble recovery. In 2025, he totaled 94 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks, 7 PDs, 3 picks, and a forced fumble. He was named a Second Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in both seasons.

James is currently the fourth-highest-paid safety in the league. Spotrac estimates his market value slightly below his current contract at $19 million in average annual value. At 29 years old, he is in the prime of his career. He is also a versatile piece on defense: in addition to playing the high safety, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound James also plays near the line of scrimmage in nickel and dime packages. But he is on track to become a free agent in 2027, along with a bevy of high-profile contributors on defense, including edge rushers Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, linebackers Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley, and fellow safety Tony Jefferson.

In addition to James and Jefferson, the Chargers have Elijah Molden, rookie Genesis Smith, R.J. Mickens, Kendall Williamson, and 2026 undrafted free agents Devin Grant and Noah Avinger on the depth chart at safety.