Chargers Safety Derwin James Seeking New Contract

Pro Bowl defender looking to reset safety market with extension before training camp

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Chargers defensive play, with Derwin James' figure broken down into overlapping shapes and planes in shades of blue and gold.Derwin James' dynamic playmaking ability is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, highlighting the Chargers safety's impact on the defensive side of the ball.Los Angeles Today

Chargers safety Derwin James is entering the final year of the four-year extension he signed in 2022, a deal that set a new benchmark for safeties at the time. ESPN's Kris Rhim reports that James will 'almost certainly' be seeking a new contract before training camp begins this summer, as the 30-year-old aims to surpass the recent record-setting deal signed by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton.

Why it matters

James is a vital part of the Chargers' defense and has been a consistent Pro Bowl performer over the past five seasons. Keeping him under contract long-term is a top priority for the organization, but the two sides will need to find common ground on a new deal that places James above his peers in terms of salary while still falling short of the league's highest-paid safety.

The details

James signed a four-year, $76.5 million extension with the Chargers in August 2022, a deal that set a new benchmark for safeties at the time. However, with the Ravens' Kyle Hamilton recently signing a $100.4 million contract, James will be seeking to reset the market with his next deal. Despite some past injury concerns, James has played in at least 14 games in four of the last five seasons and has been a dominant force in the Chargers' secondary, consistently ranking among the league's top safeties in PFF's evaluations.

  • James signed his current four-year extension in August 2022.
  • The Chargers' 2023 training camp is expected to begin in late July.

The players

Derwin James

A Pro Bowl safety for the Los Angeles Chargers who is entering the final year of a four-year, $76.5 million extension he signed in 2022.

Kyle Hamilton

The Baltimore Ravens' safety who recently signed a $100.4 million contract, setting a new benchmark for the position.

Kris Rhim

An ESPN reporter who wrote about James' contract situation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chargers safety Derwin James is entering the final year of the four-year extension he signed in August 2022, a deal that set a new benchmark for safeties at the time.”

— Kris Rhim, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Chargers and James will need to reach an agreement on a new contract before the start of the 2023 training camp, as the star safety aims to surpass the recent record-setting deal signed by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton.

The takeaway

Derwin James has established himself as one of the NFL's premier safeties over the past several seasons, and the Chargers will need to make him a top priority this offseason to keep him in Los Angeles long-term. While the two sides may need to get creative to find a deal that works for both, James' importance to the team's defense makes this a critical negotiation for the franchise.