ESPN’s Kris Rhim believes Chargers S Derwin James “almost certainly want[s] a new deal before training camp starts.”

14 April 2026

Entering his age-30 season, James has bounced back from early-career injuries and been one of the most dependable and versatile defenders in the NFL over the past four years. He posted an 83.7 PFF coverage grade in 2025 playing in the box, at slot, and even manning the defensive line at times. Rhim adds the usual “it seems likely that a deal will get done,” but the curious thing part here is: “Whether [Chargers GM Joe] Hortiz is willing to give a 30-year-old James a record deal is one of the biggest questions ahead of this season.” It sure sounds like James could be a potential trade candidate based on that sentence. The Chargers have not exactly been big spenders under Hortiz.