Chargers star gets another historic contract extension

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Chargers give Derwin James Jr. another record-breaking contract extension

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated May 26, 2026 8:25 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers seemingly just love giving money to safety Derwin James Jr.

To be fair, James has been worth the price of admission for the Chargers, who selected him No. 17 overall out of Florida State in the 2018 NFL Draft.

James has been one of the best safeties in the NFL during his time in the league, and the Chargers are giving him another big contract as a thank you.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Chargers and James are signing a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension, including $57.5 million guaranteed.

This is the second time in his career that he'll be the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

Five-time Pro-Bowl selection Derwin James now has become the highest-paid safety for the second time in his career after agreeing today to a three-year, $25.2 million per year extension that includes $57.5 million guaranteed, per @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/g2eqhYz1Eq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 26, 2026

Derwin James has been great for the Chargers since 2018

James is coming off a season that saw him notch 94 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, three interceptions and seven passes defended. He earned the fourth second-team All-Pro honor of his career.

He was heading into the final year of a four-year extension the Chargers had given him in 2022. That deal was for $76.4 million over four years. It had an average annual value of $19.13 million. His new deal's AAV jumps up to $25.2 million per year.

James has totaled 684 tackles (433 solo), 19 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 12 interceptions and 46 passes defended in seven seasons played.

When healthy, there was only one season (2023) that saw him not make a Pro Bowl.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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