The Chargers and Derwin James Jr. agreed on a three-year contract extension on Tuesday potentially worth as much as $75.6 million, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL by average annual salary for the second time in his stellar career. The deal calls for about $57 million to be guaranteed for the five-time Pro Bowl selection.
James’ last extension, signed in 2022, was for four years and $76.532 million.
“Feeling amazing,” he said back on Aug. 17, 2022.
James wasn’t available for immediate comment Tuesday, but he is scheduled to speak with reporters on Wednesday after the Chargers’ organized team activities at their El Segundo training facility. It’s likely he’ll express a similar sentiment when the deal is finalized.
James, who turns 30 on Aug. 3, will be tied to the Chargers through the 2029 season.
His average salary will be $25.2 million per season, starting in 2027, topping Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens ($25.1 million average per season). James’ previous extension called for $42 million to be guaranteed with a $29 million salary for the first season of the contract, in 2023.
The agreement Tuesday enabled Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz to scratch the top item from his offseason to-do list.
“It’s high, it’s high,” Hortiz said of the priority of re-signing James during an interview recently with the Up & Adams podcast with Kay Adams. Hortiz called James “unique” and said he was “one of the best I’ve ever been around in terms of leadership, talent and character.”
James was a two-time Pro Bowl selection when he signed his previous extension, and he has been picked three additional times, including this past season. He had three interceptions during the 2026 season, matching his career high set in his rookie season in 2018, plus 94 tackles (50 solo).
In particular, James thrived while playing as a nickel back in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme the past two seasons. James played closer to the line of scrimmage and was as effective defending against the run as he was in pass coverage. He had two sacks this past season and 5 1/2 in 2024, a career high.
Minter departed at the end of the season to become the Ravens’ head coach and former Chargers safeties coach Chris O’Leary returned this past winter from a one-season stint as the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan to replace Minter. Their schemes are said to be nearly identical.
The Chargers were the NFL’s top defensive team in the 2024 season, giving up an average of only 17.7 points per game. They were ninth in the league in ’25, giving up 20 ppg. They also were fifth in net yards allowed per game (285.2) and 10th in yards per play allowed (5.02).
“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,” O’Leary said of James mere days after he was hired to oversee the defense. “So, I can’t put into words how excited I am to get started right now.”
O’Leary joked that James called him during his job interview with Hortiz.
In addition, outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu is due for a contract extension, too. He is coming off a season in which he had a career-high 13 sacks and is going into the final year of his rookie contract. He signed his four-year, $6.5 million rookie deal June 26, 2023, after the Chargers drafted him in the second round out of USC.