The Chargers have officially agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension with two-time Pro Bowl safety Derwin James that will keep him with the Chargers organization through the 2026 season.
After a string of notable additions to their team this offseason, it looks like the Los Angeles Chargers could be one of the best teams in the NFL this season. The organization took a big step in retaining one of its best players on Wednesday.
The contract extension assures James to be part of the team until 2026- 2027 season.
This comes after an opt-in from James that he wouldn’t take part in training for the Chargers, but luckily both sides were able to come to an agreement.
The deal makes James the highest-paid safety in NFL history, averaging more than $19 million per year over the life of his contract.
This narrowly beats Minkah Fitzpatrick’s $73.6 million four-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers in June.
It’s certainly a high price to pay for security, but many feel it’s justified given that at just 26, he’s still in the prime of his career.
The AFC West has improved dramatically this offseason, with Davante Adams joining the Las Vegas Raiders and Russell Wilson joining the Denver Broncos this offseason.
Additionally, the Kansas City Chiefs will always have a presence in the division, so it’s important to have all hands on deck for the Chargers as they head into the 2022 NFL season.
The move ensures Derwin James is ready for next season, and its influence could finally propel them to the top of their highly competitive division and into next year’s playoffs for the first time since 2018.
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