NFL Rumors: Derwin James, Chargers New Contract 'Definitely' Expected to Get Done

James is due to hit free agency in 2023, but that might not be the case for much longer.

The team definitely believes that an extension with James will get done, according to Jeremy Fowler.

James was an All-Pro right out of the gate as a rookies, but he didn't play much the next two seasons. He missed all of 2020 because of a torn knee meniscus, and he was out for most of the year because of a stress fracture in his foot.

James bounced back in a big way. He had 118 tackles, two sacks, three forced turnovers and two turnovers in 15 games. He was third in the voting for Comeback Player of the Year after earning his second Pro Bowl nod.

The 25-year-old reminded the Bolts why he should still be considered a critical piece of the defense in the short and long term.

In March, head coach Brandon Staley told Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus how the team's moves were done with James in mind.

"Derwin means so much to us and a lot of people talk about arming quarterbacks but we wanted to arm Derwin with some weapons that would really bring out the best in him. I think that when you have Khalil up front and Derwin James in your secondary, that’s a good place to start. And then we were able to get JC, and now you feel like you’re a lot closer to what you want to be. Then Joey Bosa, we all know Joey’s one of the top players in the game and for him to team up with Khalil, man, what could that look like?"

There is an obvious level of risk in extending James because of the foot and knee injuries. There are some possible downsides to waiting until next year. James' price tag will only go up if he continues on his current path and attempts to win Defensive Player of the Year.

Having to spend a few extra million on a new deal for James takes money away from bolstering the roster around Justin Herbert.

It will be no surprise if the two sides strike a bargain this summer to end any contract drama.