There never was really a question about where Derwin James was going to be in future seasons. As recently as last week on "Up & Adams", Chargers GM made it known that extending the All-Pro safety was a top priority.
The front office put the money where their mouths were. Per multiple reports, Derwin James has agreed to a three year, $75.6 million extension with $57.5 million guaranteed. NFL Network and ESPN's Ian Rapoport was first on the news.
The Chargers give star safety Derwin James a big contract (again)
That figure officially makes James the highest paid safety in the NFL. Kyle Hamilton was the previous highest paid safety at $25.1M AAV before James eclipsed him with his new deal worth $25.2 million yearly. It's a massive statement by the Chargers and shows just how much the organization values James. It's the second time the Chargers have made James the highest paid at his position after his 2022 extension.
The last two years under DC Jesse Minter were a true return to form for Derwin James. 2023 was the only healthy season of his career that he missed out on Pro Bowl honors. He was effectively benched by interim staff members in a December game vs. Buffalo that season. Following the departure of HC Brandon Staley, James had back to back second-team All-Pro seasons at slot corner. The Chargers have now rewarded him after he's proved himself again under Minter.
Is there some risk in giving a nearly 30-year-old James this type of extension? Sure. But at the end of the day, the defense does not work without him. The versatility he provides the defense with where he can line up at all three levels is the ultimately the bang they get for their buck. James lined up for nearly 1000 snaps last year at slot corner, wide corner, free safety, defensive line, strong safety, and linebacker.
James was PFF's 9th-graded safety out of 98 with an 81.2 overall grade in 2025. James put up 13 pressures, 3 sacks, five hits, 34 stops, and three interceptions last season. An allowed passer rating of 77.2 last year was his best mark in that category since 2022.
Jim Harbaugh locks in a player he called "the greatest of all time" for the rest of his tenure. For the Chargers, James is now effectively locked in on a list of team lifers.
Add us as a preferred source on Google