Derwin James Signs Major Contract Extension
- Chargers safety Derwin James has officially signed a three-year extension, positioning him as the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
- This new contract elevates his annual salary from $14.5 million to a staggering $25.2 million.
- Chargers GM Joe Hortis referred to James as a “special leader and person,” emphasizing that he was a top priority for the team.
Derwin James isn’t going anywhere for a while, which is good news for the Chargers as they secure one of the league’s elite safeties for at least three more seasons.
The Chargers and James reached an agreement on this three-year extension, which marks the second time in his career that he’s set a new benchmark at his position.
Previously on the last year of his contract and set to earn $14.5 million, James’s new deal brings his annual earnings up to $25.2 million.
James, a first-round pick from Florida State, boasts an impressive career, recording 684 tackles and 12 interceptions. This includes 19 sacks and 40 tackles for losses.
He’s carved out a reputation as one of the safest and most impactful players in the game, shining as a playmaker.
His coach, Jim Harbaugh, went as far as to call James the best safety “in the history of the National Football League.” This kind of praise isn’t surprising, considering the significant contributions James has made while anchoring the Chargers’ defense in Los Angeles.
Signing the 28-year-old James was vital for the Chargers’ offseason strategy. General Manager Joe Hortis emphasized this priority during a recent interview.
“It’s expensive, it’s expensive,” Hortis acknowledged. He reminisced about when the team could have drafted James but ultimately traded back. “He’s a very special leader and person. The energy he brings is unique; he’s one of the best people I’ve met in terms of leadership and character.”
A mission accomplished for the Chargers in securing their talented and inspiring safety.
