Camp Outlook

The leader of the Chargers safety room is here for the long haul.

Derwin James, Jr., leads the group once again after recently signing a multi-year contract extension in late May.

James has produced back-to-back Second Team All-Pro seasons, wreaking havoc whether it’s in the backfield, in coverage or anything in between.

Now with a new extension under his belt and new Defensive Coordinator in Chris O’Leary, James has made it clear what the emphasis is on heading into 2026.

“I ain’t really had time to think on it too much,” James said. “I’m just really locked in on the process right now, continuing to get better. I want to win a Super Bowl so bad, so coming out here and working hard as I can, that’s what I’m focused on.

James added: “The money is good, but I can’t get my thoughts off being the last team playing, especially in SoFi [Stadium] this year. I definitely want to do that.”

Behind James is familiar faces that the secondary has become accustomed to in Elijah Molden and Tony Jefferson, the latter of whom was brought back in free agency.

The pair of veterans have been ballhawks throughout their time in the powder blue, and each return to bring their own versatility.

“Being one of the leaders in there, I just feel like everybody can bring a different flavor, different sauce,” James said. “Whether they’re a ballhawk, whether T-Jeff can come up and hit you, E, he’s playing in the post.

“Everybody can play a different role and it makes us very versatile,” James added.

Following the veterans are the players that have been impactful early in their careers in RJ Mickens and Kendall Williamson.

Mickens is coming off a rookie season where he played 12 and picked off two passes, serving a key role in the backend as a sixth-round pick in 2025. Williamson, on the other hand, saw limited action on defense but was a key players on special teams.

The Chargers also added to the room in the draft with Genesis Smith in the fourth round, a ballhawk safety that has showed flashes so far in the preseason. Myles Purchase and undrafted free agents Devin Grant and Noah Avinger round out the group.

“You could never have enough DBs, especially in this league,” James said.