The Los Angeles Chargers are pulling out the stops to become more competitive this season.
First, they’ve added Sebastian Joseph-Day, Khalil Mack, and J.C. Jackson on defense.
Now, they’ve made sure that Derwin James won’t go anywhere.
Derwin James and the Chargers have agreed on a massive 4-year $76.4M extension, which averages $19.133M a year and resets the safety market. This deal makes James the highest paid safety in NFL history, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 17, 2022
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, “Derwin James and the Chargers have agreed on a massive 4-year $76.4M extension, which averages $19.133M a year and resets the safety market. This deal makes James the highest paid safety in NFL history, per source.”
The deal includes $42 million in guaranteed money and it makes him a Charger until 2026.
James’ mega-extension will take effect in 2023 because he will be playing under a fifth-year option in 2022 worth $9 million.
The $19.133 million annual average value is around $900,000 more than Minkah Fitzpatrick‘s average salary from the lucrative extension he received this offseason.
After James and Fitzpatrick, Jamal Adams, Harrison Smith, and Justin Simmons have the highest salaries among NFL safeties.
A Quick Glance At James’ NFL Career So Far
The former Florida State standout has made an impact since the Chargers selected him 17th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
In his first year alone, he became a Pro Bowler, a First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team.
He had his second Pro Bowl and All-Pro distinctions last season when he finished with 75 solo tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, five passes defended, and three forced fumbles.
His 2021 performance is also a fantastic comeback after sitting out the 2020 season due to a torn meniscus.
James only played five games in 2019 due to a stress fracture on his right foot.
Through 2021, he has 257 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, five interceptions, and 19 pass deflections despite playing only two full seasons.
