James, 29, signed a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension through 2022. He is currently entering the final year of his deal.
Since arriving in Los Angeles as a first-round pick in 2018, James has been a big part of the Chargers’ defense. In his rookie season, he made the All-Pro squad and earned his first Pro Bowl nod with 105 tackles, six QB hits, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions in 16 games.
As James enters his eighth season in the NFL, the Warriors safeties are looking to secure another big payday. He is certainly worthy of another contract with the Chargers. After sitting out the 2020 season with a knee injury, James has made five Pro Bowl appearances in his first seven seasons with Los Angeles.
Whether this deal will come through this summer remains to be seen, but Hortiz has retained several key players for the upcoming 2026 season. Defensive tackle Teair Tart signed a three-year deal, nine-time Pro Bowl running back Khalil Mack returns on a one-year deal, including vets like Denzel Perryman and Tony Jefferson set to run it again for another season in Los Angeles.
As the Chargers begin minicamp 4-6 p.m. June, it’s possible Hortiz and James can reach an agreement before the safeties set up football pads in the summer.