Derwin James Jr., Chargers Agree to New Contract to Be NFL's Highest-Paid Safety, Details Revealed The Los Angeles Chargers have finalized a landmark deal with safety Derwin James Jr., securing his place as the NFL’s highest-paid safety with a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension. The agreement, announced by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, ensures James will earn $25.2 million annually, surpassing previous earnings that averaged $19.1 million per season. This new contract places him at the top of the safety salary rankings, edging out other elite players such as Baltimore Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton ($25.1 million), Detroit Lions’ Kerby Joseph ($21.5 million), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Antoine Winfield Jr. ($21 million). James, entering the final year of his previous deal, had been a focal point for the Chargers’ management. General Manager Joe Hortiz had publicly expressed the team’s intent to retain James, emphasizing his value as a cornerstone of the defense. These discussions gained momentum after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL draft, with the Chargers aiming to lock him in before he became a free agent in 2027. Age became a key consideration, as James turns 30 in August, though his performance has remained consistently high. In the 2025 season, James continued to showcase his elite skills, earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection. He recorded 94 total tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups, contributing significantly to a defense that allowed the fewest passing yards in the league. His impact was critical in a unit that ranked fifth in the NFL in that category, underscoring his role as a defensive leader.#ian_rapoport #los_angeles_chargers #derwin_james_jr #kyle_hamilton #chris_oleary
