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NFL training camp season is here. All 32 teams have kicked off camp, and the storylines are circulating nonstop. One of the biggest storylines for the moment is the contract situation for a couple of star players.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is one, although Kyle Shanahan insists a deal will be done soon. But the other big one is Los Angeles Chargers star safety Derwin James.
Both sides have been working toward a new deal, but according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Derwin James isn’t practicing until a deal is done.
Brandon Staley said Derwin James is not practicing because of his contract situation. Staley feels like the two sides are close and said James — who had offseason shoulder surgery — will be full go once the contract gets done.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) July 27, 2022
James did show up to training camp, which is an encouraging sign. But, he won’t be practicing until a new deal is in place.
This is the final year of his rookie deal, and when healthy, James is one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Just watch this play.
The #Chargers have optimism that a new deal with Pro-Bowl Safety Derwin James will be reached, per @JFowlerESPN
Expectation is that he'll become the highest paid Safety in the league. pic.twitter.com/6BIzsGwxYj
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 20, 2022
As stated, James will likely become the highest-paid safety in the NFL with his new deal, and it’s not too hard to justify that.
Yet, NFL fans had mixed feeling about James sitting out of camp for the time being.
https://twitter.com/dlb1of1/status/1552381214471897091?s=20&t=pVS4jRa5bD8WwoqrwJWRjQ
Dude talented but haven’t done nothing to be da highest paid lol shii crazy https://t.co/gy60vi66Bb
— 3:12 (@GrindHouseGuruu) July 27, 2022
On the other hand, Chargers fans want this deal done ASAP.
Relax people Derwin ain’t going nowhere #Charger4L⚡️⚡️ https://t.co/tCq5fCoNXe
— 𝓐𝓵𝓮𝔁⚡️ (@alexfrmdaygo) July 27, 2022
Let’s get this done … don’t play with this https://t.co/7j1EqqoSMt
— Gabe🛸 (@gabrield31) July 27, 2022
hand him a blank check please @chargers https://t.co/ZmVpq7nBa6
— zach (@zwyatt_) July 27, 2022
DJ deserves that bag @chargers don’t play with 3 https://t.co/hDR0eUvvCz
— Rebel🎶 (@ItsRunninRebel) July 27, 2022
James is electric and can play just about anywhere on the field. Everybody can’t wait to see a defense that includes JC Jackson, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Derwin James.
Hopefully, a deal gets done soon.