Chargers, Derwin James agree to 3-year deal that makes him NFL’s highest-paid safety

The Los Angeles Chargers and safety Derwin James have agreed to terms on a three-year extension worth $76.5 million, according to a league source. The $25.5 million average annual salary moves him past the Baltimore Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton as the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

James was entering the final year of a market-setting contract he signed in 2022 and has now reset the safety market twice in back-to-back extensions.

After two down years, James has rediscovered his All-Pro form under coach Jim Harbaugh. In particular, former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter started to utilize James closer to the line of scrimmage, including as a nickel player. James has thrived in the role, which takes advantage of his skills as a blitzer, run defender and man coverage player.

Minter left this offseason to take the Ravens’ head coaching job. Chris O’Leary, Minter’s replacement, was James’ safeties coach with the Chargers in 2024. O’Leary was paramount in James reestablishing himself as one of the league’s best safeties. Now, James will remain in this hybrid role as O’Leary takes over.