Chargers safety Derwin James was named an AP second-team NFL All-Pro for the second consecutive season. James, at slot cornerback, finished with 18 first-place votes and 19 second-place votes from 50 AP voters. Philadelphia's Cooper DeJean made first-team All-Pro at the slot corner position.
While James is a chess piece all over the field, he played the most at slot corner this season. It's his second nomination with that distinction specifically. James played 385 snaps at slot corner in 2024 and 351 snaps there in 2025.
Derwin James might have more contract leverage over the Charger now.
James finished with his highest PFF season defensive grade since 2019 with a score of 81.2. In coverage, he allowed a career low opposing QB passer rating of 68.4. After just completing a 2024 season that re-established himself as one of the game's best safeties, it can be argued he took it up yet another level this season.
2025 was a noteworthy masterpiece from James for a number of reasons. But one of the more pressing issues the Chargers will face over the next year is a possible extension. 2026 is the last season on James' contract following a previous extension that made him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
Approaching his age 30 season, the Chargers will have to decide whether they want to reset the market for James again or not. With another All-Pro nomination locked up this season, he certainly has some new added leverage in negotiations. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton reset the market last offseason with an extension worth $25.1M in average annual value.
It will be essential for the Chargers to lock down their star safety. They have to retain as many blue chip defensive pieces as possible. With all of the head coaching buzz surrounding DC Jesse Minter, extending one of their top defensive talents will be of utmost importance. The Chargers will also have to deal with players like Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh hitting the free agent market.
Last training camp, Chargers LT Rashawn Slater effectively didn't practice until he got his extension done. Considering the leverage James now has after this season, it wouldn't be surprising to see him do something similar as his contract is set to expire next year. The ball will almost certainly be thrown back into GM Joe Hortiz's court by his agent David Mulugheta of Athletes First.
It's not anything to worry about right now with the playoffs on the horizon. But the Chargers will most likely have to deal with James' contract this offseason. And a standout 2025 All-Pro performance probably just raised his price again.