Chargers, Derwin James agree to new contract

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The Chargers were always confident that safety Derwin James would be ready to get to work in time for the season, and with good reason: James has now agreed to a new contract.

James, who was declining to participate in practice while he negotiated a new deal, has agreed with the Chargers on a contract that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid safety, according to multiple reports.

The Chargers selected James with the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, and he’s been a first-team All-Pro twice, first as a rookie and then last season. He also missed most of the 2019 season and all of the 2020 season with injuries, which has to be a concern, but for the Chargers it’s not a big enough concern to keep them from getting a deal done.

James was slated to make $9.05 million this year on the fifth and final season of his rookie contract. He’ll make much more than that this year, and the Chargers see him as a big part of their defense for many years to come.