Chargers safety James Jr. agrees 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.

James was entering the final season of a four-year, $76.4 million extension he signed in 2022 that made him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.

The latest extension, which includes $57.5 million guaranteed, sets the safety market at $25.2 million per year. The previous record, established when Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton signed a four-year, $100.4 million extension in 2025, averaged $25.1 million per year.

James, 29, had 94 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks last season for the Chargers. He was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl and was named an All-Pro for the fourth time.

A first-round pick in 2018, James has 12 interceptions, 19 sacks and 684 tackles in seven seasons, all with the Chargers. He missed the 2020 season with a knee injury.

“One of my favorite players I’ve ever worked with and coached because of how contagious his energy is, how great he wants to be,” said Chris O’Leary, the Chargers’ first-year defensive coordinator who coached the team’s defensive backs in 2024, per ESPN. “So, I can’t put into words how excited that I am. I’m ready to get started right now.”

Copyright 2026 Field Level Media. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 9:07 PM.