The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Tuesday that they had locked their star Derwin James to a new multi-year deal. The team didn’t disclose the terms, but reports say that James received a four-year, $76.4 million extension that makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
James was set to enter the 2022 NFL season playing on the fifth-year option that will pay him a guaranteed salary of $9.05 million. He will earn $19.13 million on the extension while having $42 million guaranteed.
After agreeing to a new deal, James is now expected to be a full participant in the Chargers’ practices. He joined the team for training camp but held his presence to just walk-throughs, and individual drills as his agents and the front office handled the negotiations.
This is great news for the Chargers since Derwin James is considered the team’s best defensive player. Since entering the league as a first-round pick, James has been Pro Bowler twice and made the First-Team All-Pro two times. The Florida State product missed most of the campaign in the two seasons he didn’t get honored.
James’ NFL career stats include 257 tackles, 5.5 sacks, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, and 19 passes defended.
