Safety Derwin James Jr. Is With The Los Angeles Chargers, But He’ll Be A Happy Camper With A New Deal

All-Pro safety Derwin James, Jr. continues to show up at the Los Angeles Chargers’ training camp.

Now it’s time for the Chargers to show James the money.

James is here, but not fully invested. He’s doing some light work during walk-through drills and anything else that doesn’t put his body at risk.

His body of work?

James has played well enough to have a new deal slid under his door. But until that occurs, James will stand down.

“He won’t be going full speed until that gets situated,’’ Chargers coach Brandon Staley said.

James is in the fifth and last year of his rookie contract, which paid him a guaranteed $12.3 million over four years. The Chargers activated his option year for this season, which comes with a $9 million base salary.

But James, and the Chargers, agree that he’s due a new deal. Especially after last season in which a healthy James — after injuries the previous two years compromised his contributions — delivered his second Pro Bowl season with two interceptions, two sacks and 118 tackles.

James, a former first-round pick, underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum and that limited his participation in practices prior to camp. Now he’s sitting out not only to mend his shoulder, but to get the rich contract he feels like he’s earned.

“They know how much we love Derwin,’’ Staley said of James’ representatives. “Derwin knows how much we love him. We’re just working through that process right now.’’

James is looking to eclipse the pact Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick signed in June. Fitzpatrick agreed to a four-year extension which is worth $73 million, with $36 million being guaranteed.

With an upbeat James being on hand at camp, this seems like it will be a short-lived absence. Then again, given the Chargers history of playing hard ball with their best players — like Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa — it’s not certain when James will return.

“He’s, I think, doing the right thing,’’ Bosa said. “He obviously deserves whatever he’s going to get.’’

Wide receiver Keenan Allen, yet another Charger Pro Bowler, is in James’ corner, too.

“He’s the heart of the defense, and the heart of the team, pretty much,’’ Allen said. “I’m pretty sure that will get done.’’