Neither of the Los Angeles Chargers' major extension-eligible players this offseason were in true danger of departing in 2026.
Nevertheless, the Chargers got ahead of any potential Derwin James situation, inking him to a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension ahead of the start of their OTAs. It's a high number, but it's also a well-deserved payday for one of the most important defenders in the NFL.
The Tuli Tuipulotu situation is still on the table, and there's a chance Los Angeles holds off until the end of 2026 if they want to gamble on a decrease in production from the fourth-year pass rusher. But uncertainty is not something the Chargers can truly afford in 2026, especially with a new defensive coordinator in Chris O'Leary.
If the Chargers had allowed the Derwin James situation to linger, therefore, there's a chance the uncertainty surrounding James' future would have impacted both the chemistry in the locker room and O'Leary's ability to fully execute whatever scheme he's dialed up for this defense. Now, though, James' extension means that O'Leary has every tool he needs to attempt to replicate Jesse Minter's success over the next couple of seasons.
As long as James remains in his prime, O'Leary has no excuses.
Derwin James' extension leaves Chris O'Leary with a clear path to replicating Jesse Minter's success
It's hard to overstate how vital James is to the Chargers' defensive infrastructure. His ability to play viably at all three levels of the field, either disrupting opponents' passing attacks or getting down into the tackle box to stop the run, allowed Minter to play much of the soft zone that he was inclined do during his tenure.
It's what's allowed Los Angeles, therefore, to maximize the talents of defensive backs like Donte Jackson and Tony Jefferson. James will now be with the Chargers through at least 2029, and it's easy to imagine that Tuipulotu's eventual extension will take him at least through that year as well.
There's still some work to be done. Los Angeles could stand to add another cornerback after the departure of Benjamin St-Juste, and they'll need to iron out the hierarchy in their edge-rusher room. O'Leary also has some big shoes to fill in taking over for the Chargers. Minter led Los Angeles to top-10 defenses in total points allowed in both of his seasons with the organization.
But with a trio of Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack, and Akheem Mesidor, O'Leary should be able to dial up some of the pass-rushing rotations that made the unit so viable last season with Oweh in the fold. With ascendant young safeties in R.J. Mickens and Genesis Smith, he should be able to solidify the backend behind James. If the Chargers can sort out their depth at inside linebacker, this unit has a chance to be truly special again this season and for seasons to come.
James' extension, therefore, is more than just an immediate boon to Los Angeles' overall chemistry. It's a guarantee that, as long as James is playing at the top of his game, O'Leary will have everything at his disposal during his tenure as defensive coordinator.
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