Derwin James signs extension with Chargers to become the highest-paid safety in NFL HISTORY

The Chargers locked down one of their prized players on Wednesday, signing safety Derwin James to a massive extension that will keep him in LA through the 2026 season.

The deal, worth $76.4 million over four years, according to NFL Network, is the largest contract ever for a safety, and will pay the two-time Pro Bowler more than $19 million per season on average.

The contract also includes $42 million guaranteed and $29 million in the first year of the deal, which are also both records among NFL safeties.

Derwin James returned to form last season after missing all of 2020 through injury

James was previously engaged in a contract hold-in (present at training camp but not practicing), and Chargers coach Brandon Staley made clear Tuesday just how important he was to the team.

 ‘I don’t look at Derwin as a safety. I look at Derwin as an impact player,’ he said via The Athletic.

‘I think if you were just looking at him as a safety, that wouldn’t be doing Derwin justice,’ Staley said. ‘For me, I look at him as a defensive back. When I see him, I’m like, that’s a defensive back, because he can play anywhere.’

James’ contract news was celebrated by fellow defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who took to Twitter to praise the 26-year-old.

James will be paid more than $19 million per year on average during his new deal

‘LETS GO!!!!! Dinner on you now lil bro @DerwinJames … you deserve this new contract more than anyone!,’ the Rams cornerback said.

‘BEST IN THE BUSINESS!’

After missing the entirety of the 2020 season due to injury, James returned to form last season, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and finishing second on the team in tackles (118).