Chargers' Derwin James: 'We got to make it to that Super Bowl, not just the playoffs'
On Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro safety Derwin James signed a four-year, $76.4 million extension, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
After securing his future financially, James has his eyes on another prize: the Lombardi Trophy.
The fourth-year pro hasn't experienced playoff football since his rookie year in 2018, and he believes it's time for the Chargers to take a giant leap forward in 2022.
If two-time Pro Bowler's words are to come to fruition, James and the Chargers' core of former first-round picks will have to lead the way.
As ESPN's Field Yates pointed out, the Chargers have added star-level talent on both sides of the ball with their first selections in the draft over the past few seasons.
The Chargers' five first-round selections from 2016-2021 have earned a combined five Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro nods, an Offensive Player of the Year Award and two 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
The only thing missing for the group is a playoff berth.
Los Angeles finished 9-8 in 2021, missing the postseason for the third consecutive season. Since finishing 12-4 in 2018, the Chargers have gone 21-28.
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