Chargers' Derwin James Agrees to Massive Contract Extension: Report
The Los Angeles Chargers made a significant decision regarding their defense for the upcoming NFL season, signing safety Derwin James to a new contract extension on Tuesday.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter (via James’s agent David Mulugheta), James agreed to a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension, making him the league’s highest-paid safety for the second time in his career. He has $57.5 million guaranteed as part of the deal.
A former 2018 first-round pick from Florida State, he’s achieved five Pro Bowl selections during his career with the Chargers, with his most recent in 2025. Last season, he tied his career high of three interceptions.
Since joining the team, he’s been mostly healthy, except during his 2019 and 2020 seasons, when he played a combined five games due to injury.
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The recent contract extension comes after criticism of the team’s frugality with offseason spending. A major concern was at guard, where they chose to sign Cole Strange to a two-year, $13 million contract rather than spending on a top-tier player at the position.
The Chargers’ general manager, Joe Hortiz, said it would be a priority to sign James this offseason. He will be the experienced leader on the defense under first-year defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, who returned to the Chargers after working as their safeties coach in 2024.
The team also made several draft picks to help their defense, selecting Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor at No. 22, Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith at No. 131, and South Carolina defensive lineman Nick Barrett at No. 145. In particular, ESPN’s Kris Rhim suggested he believes Mesidor, an older rookie at 25, can contribute quickly to the defense, making him a wise choice.
The move to keep James was an obvious one for this team, given his valuable contributions throughout his career. Last season, the Chargers’ defense ranked fifth in the league for yards allowed, giving up just 285.2 yards per game. In particular, they ranked fifth in passing defense, allowing just 179.9 yards per game to opponents, a credit to players such as James.
While the defense isn’t a significant concern, the situation with quarterback Justin Herbert is one to watch. He wasn’t present at several team practices over the past month, sparking speculation about his contract situation, given that he’s led the team to the playoffs in three of the last four seasons.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 10:29 PM.