The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly discussing contract extensions with two key players this offseason: safety Derwin James Jr. and linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu.

James signed a record four-year, $76.5 million contract extension with the Chargers in August 2022 Meanwhile, Tuipulotu is entering the final season of his four-year, $6.57 million rookie contract.

During his pre-NFL draft press conference on Thursday, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters extension talks with the pair would “heat up” after the 2026 NFL Draft, according to ESPN.

Hortiz also told reporters that the price of these contract extensions were one reason why the franchise has been frugal with their spending in free agency this offseason.

“We have players coming up that are going to be eating up a lot of that cap room,” Hortiz said, per ESPN. “… So the players we got, we liked. We really do. And we really feel like they’re going to help us. But it’s not like going to a grocery store and saying, “Hey, I need an orange.” And there’s a whole surplus of oranges. Free agency doesn’t work like that.”

James is coming off back-to-back All-Pro seasons, and the Chargers made him the highest-paid safety in NFL history with his now-expiring contract extension from 2022.

He recorded 94 total tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in 16 games last season. James is on track to earn another high-paying contract, but he is turning 30 in August which could also influence the price and length of the contract Los Angeles is open offering the veteran.

Tuipulotu logged a career-high 13 sacks last season while also recording 49 total tackles, two forced fumbles and three passes defended in 16 games. He is going into the fourth season of his career and will turn 24 in September.

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