The NFL Training Camp begins. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers safety, is at camp but isn’t practicing as the team works on an extension to his contract.
Brandon Staley claims that S Derwin James has stopped practicing due to contract negotiations. James has completed the walk-thru portion of his practice.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) July 27, 2022
James is entering his fifth season in Chargers, as he aims to achieve the position of highest-paid safety within the NFL. Chargers coach Brandon Staley had this to say about James’ extension:
“He’s out here doing walkthroughs … He’s going to be working out, but he won’t be going full speed until that gets situated.”
Staley also added:
“I think there’s full respect on both sides … They know how much we love Derwin. We know how much Derwin loves us. We’re just working through that process right now. We’re gonna let it take shape. When it does, he’ll be out there.”
James’ locker room presence, his quick decisions, as well as playing a stellar defense on the field and being considered the league’s top defender, are all reasons why he was awarded the contract extension.
James was named a Pro Bowler last season. James recorded 118 tackles and three forced fumbles. He also had two sacks and two interceptions. James had missed five of the 2019 games due to injury to his foot and was unable to play in 2020 as a result. Two-time Pro Bowler.
James’ teammates had high praise for the safety when asked about the contract extension hold-in.
Star wide-receiver Keenan Allen said in a tweet: “I’m pretty sure they’ll get that handled. That’s a guy we definitely need. He’s the heart of the defense. He’s the heart of the team.”
According to Yahoo Sports, Joey Bosa, Chargers’ star edge-rusher said during a Thursday press conference.
“He puts in 100 percent every single day, so he’s just making the best decision for him right now. But the fact that he’s out here coaching the guys, fully involved, 100 percent locked in every day, it obviously means a lot to all of us. …
He obviously deserves whatever he’s going to get … He’s obviously one of the best, if not the best, at his position in the whole league.”
Louis Riddick is a former NFL player, and currently a broadcaster for the NFL. saidFollow James to get this story:
“Derwin James is special. He can do everything you need a safety to do on the field in today’s game. He has the same body language of another safety I scouted a long time ago who I hold in THE highest regard.”
The Chargers added a lot to their defensive line during the offseason. They brought in star defensive back Khalil Mack and star cornerback J.C. Jackson. Kyle Van Noy was also signed as a linebacker.
In Week 1 of this NFL season, the Chargers will play host to the Las Vegas Raiders.
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