Derwin James is staying in Los Angeles, and he is getting paid more than any safety in NFL history to do it.
The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a three-year, $75.6 million extension with James on Tuesday, according to Yahoo Sports, citing NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal averages more than $25 million per season and makes James the highest-paid safety in the league. The Chargers confirmed the deal on social media.
James, 29, was heading into the final year of his previous contract and would have become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He had been earning approximately $19.1 million per season under that deal, which ranked him fourth among safeties leaguewide.
His new contract narrowly surpasses the mark set by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, who had held the record at $25.1 million per season. Detroit's Kerby Joseph and Tampa Bay's Antoine Winfield Jr. are the only other safeties currently earning more than $20 million per year.
This is the second time James has set the market at his position. He has spent his entire career with the Chargers, who selected him with the 17th overall pick out of Florida State in the 2018 draft.
Last season James recorded 94 total tackles and tied his career high with three interceptions, earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection. He helped the Chargers finish 11-6 and reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year, though the team lost in the wild-card round.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has not hidden his view of where James stands among players at his position. "I've called him the best safety I've ever seen in the history of the National Football League," Harbaugh said after a win over the Las Vegas Raiders last season. "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 anchored the Chargers' defense since his rookie season. Tuesday's extension ensures he will remain in that role through at least his age-32 season.
