Chargers' Derwin James not practicing due to contract situation

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James is not happy with his contract. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers Pro Bowl safety Derwin James not practicing due to contract situation

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/27/22

After tearing his meniscus during the summer of 2020, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James missed that entire season. James bounced back in a big way in the 2021 regular season, recording career highs in combined tackles (118), tackles for loss (seven) and quarterback hits (seven), while forcing the first three fumbles of his career as well.

The Florida St. product posted five passes defended, two sacks and a pair of interceptions, despite missing two games, and earned his second Pro Bowl honor. Now, as Chargers training camp gets underway, James is looking to cash in with a big pay day.

Brandon Staley said Derwin James is not practicing because of his contract situation. Staley feels like the two sides are close and said James — who had offseason shoulder surgery — will be full go once the contract gets done.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) July 27, 2022

"We’re working through his contract situation, so just making sure that gets situated here. He’s out here doing all the walkthroughs. He’s going to be working out. But he won’t be going full speed until that gets situated," head coach Brandon Staley said, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic.

According to Popper, the 25-year-old is "likely looking for a deal that would make him the highest-paid safety." That title is currently held by fellow 2018 first-round draft pick Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fitzpatrick — who has also made two Pro Bowls in his young career — inked a four-year, $73 million contract extension with the Steelers in June.

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