There aren’t many defenders who have been more productive than former Florida State standout safety Derwin James Jr. since he was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018.<\/p>\n
James Jr. is being rewarded with a massive deal ahead of his ninth season in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
Derwin James Jr. Is NFL’s Highest-Paid Safety Again![\"Derwin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01kskkvwwjw51pnt08b9.jpg\" "\\"Derwin")
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May 11, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James III (3) during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Chargers and James Jr. agreed to terms on a massive extension. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, James is putting pen to paper on a three-year\/$76.5 million deal to remain with the franchise.<\/p>\n
The contract makes James Jr. the highest-paid safety in the NFL. His $25.2 million average salary per year puts James Jr. ahead of Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton ($25.1 millon), Detroit’s Kerby Joseph ($21.25 million), and Tampa Bay’s ($21.025 million).<\/p>\n
The #Chargers<\/a> and Derwin James have agreed to terms on a massive new extension to make him the NFL\u2019s new highest-paid safety for the second time in his career, sources say.<\/p>\n James gets a 3-year, $75.6M deal. Negotiated by @DavidMulugheta<\/a> of @AthletesFirst<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/M7C5gdBAzq<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 26, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n James Jr. is one of the most important faces on the Chargers and a leader whom other players look to. He’s been selected to the Pro Bowl five times, along with five All-Pro nods, including a first-team selection in 2018.<\/p>\n During his professional career, James Jr. has totaled 684 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 46 pass deflections, and 12 interceptions. James Jr. missed the 2020 season due to a torn meniscus.<\/p>\n This is the second time that James Jr. has earned the distinction of the highest-paid safety in the NFL. He previously held the honor following a four-year\/$76.53 million extension in 2022.<\/p>\n Which Former Florida State Players Are On NFL Teams (27)?<\/p>\n RB Trey Benson – Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n OLB Josh Sweat – Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n DB Jammie Robinson – Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n WR Keon Coleman – Buffalo Bills<\/p>\n K Ryan Fitzgerald – Carolina Panthers<\/p>\n OL Jeremiah Byers – Cleveland Browns<\/p>\n DL Derrick Nnadi – Indianapolis Colts<\/p>\n DB Jarrian Jones – Jacksonville Jaguars<\/p>\n DB Kevin Knowles – Kansas City Chiefs<\/p>\n DB Derwin James Jr. – Los Angeles Chargers<\/p>\n QB DJ Uiagalelei – Los Angeles Chargers<\/p>\n DL Braden Fiske – Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n OLB Keir Thomas – Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n OLB Jared Verse – Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n DL Joshua Farmer – New England Patriots<\/p>\n OL Jacob Rizy – New England Patriots<\/p>\n OLB Brian Burns – New York Giants<\/p>\n QB Jameis Winston – New York Giants<\/p>\n DL Darrell Jackson Jr. – New York Jets<\/p>\n DB Azareye’h Thomas – New York Jets<\/p>\n WR Johnny Wilson – Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n TE Jaheim Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers<\/p>\n DB Jalen Ramsey – Pittsburgh Steelers<\/p>\n DB Asante Samuel Jr. – Pittsburgh Steelers<\/p>\n LB Tatum Bethune – San Francisco 49ers<\/p>\n DB Renardo Green – San Francisco 49ers<\/p>\n OLB Jermaine Johnson – Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n Sign up for our\u00a0free newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0X<\/a>\u00a0, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0for the latest news.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
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