LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said keeping safety Derwin James Jr. with the team long term is a high priority as the five-time Pro Bowl selection enters the final season of his contract. James is heading into the last year of the four-year, $76.53 million extension he signed with the Chargers in 2022.

"It's high," Hortiz said when asked how high of a priority it is to make James a Charger for life. He said James's value to the organization extends beyond his on-field production.

"He's such a special, special leader and person. And like Justin Herbert, the talent is real, it's there but the leader and motivator and energy he gives to everybody in the organization throughout the entire building is just so unique. [James is] one of the best I've ever been around in terms of leadership, character and talent," he said.

James has spent all seven seasons of his professional career with the Chargers and has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times, including in each of the past two seasons. When he entered his previous contract year, the Chargers made him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at that time.

During the 2024 NFL season, James recorded 5.5 sacks in 16 games, a career-high. In the 2025 NFL season, he posted 94 total tackles, two sacks and three interceptions in 16 games. Chargers training camp begins in late July.