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Chargers Make Derwin James NFL’s Highest-Paid Safety Again With Million Extension
The deal includes $57.5 million guaranteed and gives James $25.2 million per year, topping Kyle Hamilton’s safety record.
- On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Chargers and five-time Pro Bowl safety Derwin James agreed to a three-year, $75.6 million extension, making him the highest-paid safety for the second time in his career.
- General manager Joe Hortiz had stated throughout the offseason that re-signing James was a priority as the safety entered the final year of his previous deal, which carried a $24.6 million cap hit going into 2026.
- James has started all 98 career regular-season games with 684 tackles, 19.0 sacks and 12 interceptions, posting 7.5 sacks over his past two seasons while recording 94 tackles and three interceptions last year.
- New defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary, formerly the Chargers' defensive backs coach, praised James as "one of my favorite players" with "contagious energy," while head coach Jim Harbaugh called him the best safety he's ever coached.
- The $25.2 million annual value edges past Kyle Hamilton's prior $25.1 million benchmark, and the early timing during OTAs creates flexibility for future negotiations as the Chargers' defense ranked fourth in total yards allowed over two seasons.
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Derwin James Contract Update: How much money made Chargers All-Pro safety the NFL’s highest-paid player at his position again?
NFL News: The Los Angeles Chargers have once again made Derwin James the highest-paid safety in football. The new Derwin James contract is worth $75.6 million o.
·India
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The Daily Item
The Daily ItemDerwin James Jr., Chargers agree to 3-year, $75.6M extension
The deal, which calls for about $57 million to be guaranteed for the five-time Pro Bowl selection, makes him the highest-paid safety in the league by average annual salary for the second time in his stellar career. It ties him to the team through the 2029 season.
·Orange County, United States
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Jackson Progress-Argus+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
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Derwin James Jr., Chargers agree to record-breaking extension
The Los Angeles Chargers and Derwin James Jr. have agreed on a three-year, $75.6 million extension that will make James the league's highest paid safety for the second time, ESPN reported Tuesday.
·Jackson, United States
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Total News Sources30
Leaning Left8Leaning Right4Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 29%
R 24%
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