Derwin James has reset the safety market.
The Los Angeles Chargers and James have agreed to a three-year, $75.6 million deal, two people close to the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss the contract. The deal includes $57.5 million in guaranteed money.
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The 29-year-old safety was entering the final year of his contract.
ESPN was first to report the news.
James surpassed $25 million per year with the new extension, which makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. It’s the second time in James’ career that he’s become the highest-paid safety in the league. He signed a deal worth $76 million in 2022.
James is a homegrown talent for the Chargers.
Los Angeles drafted the star safety 17th overall in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was named a first-team All-Pro as a rookie. In all, he’s a five-time Pro Bowler, one-time first-team All-Pro and four-time second-team All-Pro.
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James has been one of the best players on the Chargers since his rookie season and has been an annual team captain. The versatile safety lines up all over the field, whether it’s close to the line of scrimmage, in the slot or deep. He’s regarded as one of the top overall safeties in the NFL.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh called James one of the most “incredible” players he’s ever coached.
“I’ve called him the best safety I’ve ever seen in the history of the National Football League. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb,” Harbaugh said of James last season. “He is one of the most incredible players I’ve ever watched.”
James has amassed 684 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, 12 interceptions and 46 passes defensed in 98 career regular-season games. His 19 career sacks are the third-most by any defensive back within the first eight seasons of a career since sacks became an official stat in 1982.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chargers’ Derwin James becomes highest-paid safety in NFL history
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