Chargers sign Derwin James to three-year, $25.2M deal

The Los Angeles Chargers have secured star safety Derwin James for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a three-year contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player at his position in the National Football League. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $25.2 million, includes $57.5 million in guaranteed money.

James, who was entering the final year of a previous four-year extension signed in 2022, has now set the market for safeties for a second time in his career. His new annual salary narrowly surpasses the $25.1 million benchmark set last offseason by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. General Manager Joe Hortiz identified securing James as a primary offseason objective, calling him a special leader and person and a priority for the organization.

The 29-year-old defender has been a cornerstone of the Chargers' defense since being selected 17th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Over his seven-year career, he has earned five Pro Bowl selections and multiple All-Pro honors. His most recent season saw him record 94 tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks, earning a second-team All-Pro nod. Pro Football Focus ranked him ninth among qualifying safeties for...