Chargers sign Derwin James to 4-year, $76.5M extension

The Los Angeles Chargers and Derwin James agreed to a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension on Wednesday morning, making James the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

The agreement includes a guaranteed salary of $42 million. James, who is entering his sixth season, was anticipated to be present as the Chargers and Dallas Cowboys began their two days of joint practices. He did not take part in any of the practice sessions for the first two weeks and merely participated in walkthroughs as the two parties negotiated an extension.

The four-year, $72.98 million extension Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick inked in June pales in comparison to James’ agreement. This includes a guaranteed salary of $36 million.

Since the end of the previous season, the Chargers have invested around $112 million in guaranteed salaries to upgrade its defense, which finished 23rd overall and in the bottom half of several important stats like run defense, third down conversions, and scores allowed after halftime.

James, the defensive signal-caller in the huddle, will be relied upon to serve as the group’s leader after making substantial summer improvements. Along with dealing for linebacker Khalil Mack, Los Angeles acquired cornerback J.C. Jackson, defensive lineman Sebastian Jones-Day, Austin Johnson, and Morgan Fox, as well as edge rusher Kyle Van Noy.