May 26, 2026 at 7:42 pm ET • 1 min read
Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James has reset the safety market once again. James agreed on Tuesday to a four-year, $75.6 million contract extension, becoming the highest-paid safety in NFL history for the second time in his career.
Contract Details
The deal includes $57.5 million guaranteed and pays $25.2 million per year, surpassing his own record-setting deal from 2022.
James was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026 campaign. The Chargers paid up to ensure he will not have suitors next offseason.
Career Performance
The five-time All-Pro honoree has spent his entire career in Los Angeles after the franchise selected him with the No. 17 overall pick in 2018.
While injuries disrupted two of James' first three years as a pro, he has been a model of consistency since 2021. He accumulated at least 93 tackles and five passes defended in each of the last five seasons, and last year he tied a career high with three interceptions.
James boasts the second-most sacks by a defensive back (19.0) since entering the NFL in 2018, trailing only Jamal Adams. He was also the only safety in the Super Bowl era to be named a first-team All-Pro as a rookie.
Harbaugh's Praise
"I've called him the best safety I've ever seen in the history of the National Football League," Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said last September. "He is one of the most incredible players I've ever watched."