Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers' Derwin James: 'We got to make it to that Super Bowl, not just the playoffs'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/17/22

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.

Derwin James to @usatodaysports on the Chargers expectations this year: “The Super Bowl, man. Everybody knows that. We got to make it to that Super Bowl, not just the playoffs. We got to make it there. We got the team and we got the roster. We can do it."
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) August 17, 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.

Not a bad run of first round picks for the Chargers between 2016-2021 which includes:

▫️QB Justin Herbert: OROY, Pro Bowler
▫️DE Joey Bosa: 4X Pro Bowler
▫️S Derwin James: 2X All Pro
▫️LT Rashawn Slater: All Pro as a rookie
▫️WR Mike Williams: 2 1,000+ yard seasons already
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 17, 2022

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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