The Los Angeles Chargers are signing safety Derwin James to a three-year, $75.6-million extension, his agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
James is now the highest-paid safety in the NFL for the second time in his career, Schefter adds. Baltimore Ravens defensive back Kyle Hamilton was previously the highest-paid safety with an average annual salary of $25.1 million.
The 29-year-old was entering the final season of a four–year, $76.53-million contract he signed in August 2022. He's been with the Chargers since they selected him in the first round of the 2018 draft.
James recorded 94 tackles, seven passes defended, and three interceptions in 16 regular-season games last season en route to a second-team All-Pro selection.
"I've called him the best safety I've ever seen in the history of the National Football League," head coach Jim Harbaugh said of James after a Week 2 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last season, according to CBS Sports' Carter Bahns. "I don't think I'm going out on a limb there. He is one of the most incredible players I've ever watched."
James has made five Pro Bowls over his seven years in the league and earned first-team All-Pro honors as a rookie. He has 684 tackles and 12 interceptions in 98 career contests.
