Chargers Discussing Extensions With Derwin James, Tuli Tuipulotu

Safety Derwin James and edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu are pending 2027 free agents as things stand. That may not be the case for much longer.

When speaking to reporters during his pre-draft press conference, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim) conversations have taken place with the agents of both players. Extension talks are likely to pick up after next week’s draft, to no surprise. Working out a deal in each case would take care of an important piece of offseason business.

James has been a defensive pillar for the Bolts since arriving in 2018. This past season saw him deliver another strong outing, and it yielded a fifth Pro Bowl nod along with a third appearance on the second All-Pro team. James was recently named as a candidate to seek out a new contract ahead of training camp this summer. Based on Hortiz’s comments, there is a mutual interest in working out a third Chargers pact.

Team and player agreed to a $19MM-per-year accord in 2022. The safety market has risen since then, and Kyle Hamilton now leads the way at $25MM annually. Two other safeties are ahead of James in terms of AAV, and a move up the pecking order may be in store. James is approaching his age-30 season, though, so a shorter term may be sought out by the Chargers during negotiations. In any case, a fresh round of guarantees can be expected.

The edge rush spot was a key talking point entering free agency for Los Angeles. Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh remained on track for the open market until Mack ultimately re-signed; Oweh has since departed. As of February, no extension talks with Tuipulotu’s camp had taken place. Working out a long-term deal would be key in his case, however, with Mack once again a candidate to retire at the end of the year.

Tuipulotu has seen his sack production increase over each of his three NFL seasons. He posted 13 in 2025, earning a Pro Bowl nod along the way and further establishing himself as a core member of the Chargers’ defense. At the age of 23, the USC product profiles as a logical candidate for a big-ticket deal this summer. A major raise will be in store compared to the $5.77MM in base salary Tuipulotu is owed for 2026, but Hortiz has made clear his preference for extending in-house players over spending big on outside free agents.

With that in mind, both James and Tuipulotu could very well have new contracts in hand by the time training camp begins in July. Attention will be focused on the draft over the coming days, but afterwards the Chargers will shift to contract talks in each of these cases.