Update on extensions for Chargers' Derwin James, Tuli Tuipulotu

General manager Joe Hortiz stated that the team plans to prioritize contract extension talks for safety Derwin James Jr. and edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu once the 2026 NFL Draft is completed. Hortiz confirmed he has already been in contact with agents for both players.

Entering the final year of his current deal with a $14. 5 million base salary for 2026, James is coming off a Second-Team All-Pro season after recording 94 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble. By signing him to a new long-term deal, the Chargers can restructure his remaining 2026 base salary into a signing bonus, which would clear up space to help sign the 2026 draft class and pursue late-offseason free agents.

After a breakout 2025 season with a career-high 13 sacks, Tuipulotu is now extension-eligible as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Hortiz previously emphasized that the team "wants Tuli around for a long time. " James and Tuipulotu will be core pieces in first-time NFL coordinator Chris O'Leary's defense this upcoming season, so locking them up for forseeable future is imperative for continuity.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers prioritizing new deals for Derwin James and Tuli Tuipulotu