Source: Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers’ star, agrees to $76.4M contract, becoming the highest-paid safety in NFL, source says

COSTA MESA in California — The Los Angeles Chargers Safety and All-Pro Derwin James According to a source, the parties have reached an agreement on a $76.4 million four-year extension of their contract.

Schefter reported that the deal had an average annual value $19.13 million. It resets the safety market and makes James the highest-paid safety in NFL History.

James accepted the deal after Chargers coach Brandon Staley said James was an “impact player” in his defense and the “heartbeat” of the team.

Staley said Tuesday, “When I first see him, I think, ‘That is a defensive back’ because he can play anywhere.” He can play any safety spot, and he can also play corner. … He can rush quarterbacks and make an impression as a player, he has the ability to make an impact on man-to-man coverage and then he can have an impact on zone defense.

James reported to training camp July 26, but remained a “hold in” for the past three weeks. He missed 14 practices while contract negotiations were ongoing. While he was present among his teammates at the sidelines, he participated in team walkthroughs and individual agility drills.

Staley was confident that James would be physically fit to take part in football activities once a deal was made. He said, “There is no one who takes more pride in his performance, his ability to stay in shape mentally and physically to do the job at a higher level than he.”

James, 26, plays a major role in a defense with high expectations following a significant personnel overhaul.

The Chargers have acquired an outside linebacker Khalil Mack Trade with the Chicago Bears To form a pass-rushing team with Pro Bowl edge Joey BosaSigned Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson To a 5-year contract worth $82.5 million in free agency. Also, added defensive linemen Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson Morgan Fox.

The Chargers have James’ extension and will continue to have many of the NFL’s best defensive players under contract, including Mack Bosa, Jackson, and Jackson.

James, who was the 17th overall selection in the 2018 draft was set to be the fifth and last season of his rookie deal and earn slightly more that $9 million. In his career, James has 257 tackles.

James was named All-Pro and Pro Bowl as a rookie, but he missed the entire 2020 season due to a foot injury. A knee injury also prevented him from playing in the 2020 season.

James had 117 tackles in 15 games last year, which tied him for No. Number 3 in the NFL among all defensivebacks, James intercepted two passes and forced three fumbles. He also had two sacks.

James had surgery to repair the labrum in his left arm after he made his second Pro Bowl appearance in February. James reported to training camp a week prior and said that he was feeling well.