Derwin James And Chargers Agree On A Historic Contract Extension

Derwin James got paid.

James agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, making him the highest paid safety in NFL history at $19.1 million per year.

The deal also includes $42 million in guarantees:

James was in line for an extension and would have become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022 season had he and the Chargers not come to this agreement.

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The Chargers selected the 26-year-old Florida State product with the No. 17 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he posted 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, 13 pass breakups and 105 tackles en route to being named a Pro Bowler. He also earned an All-Pro selection and finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

However, James appeared in just five games in 2019 before he suffered a stress fracture in his right foot that caused him to miss the remainder of the year. He also missed the entire 2020 campaign with a meniscus injury in his right knee.

James bounced back in 2021 and was named a Pro Bowler and finished third in Comeback Player of the Year voting.