Tag: Derwin James contract

Chargers’ Derwin James: “Never a doubt” contract extension would get done

There was never a doubt in Derwin James’ mind.

On Wednesday, we finally heard from a franchise cornerstone.

Safety Derwin James, fresh off a market-setting contract extension and his first practice of the offseason, told the media that “there was never a doubt” that a deal was going to get done.

James said he’ll be ready to fully practice by next week as he ramps back up into peak physical condition. Asked about James on Tuesday, head coach Brandon Staley said that his star safety was already in football shape thanks to his perfect attendance at the team facility as negotiations on his extension dragged on.

“Heck yeah, it was super hard,” said James of his absence from the field despite being around the team these past few weeks. “Everyone know how much I love football, how much I wanna be out here.”

You could tell James was ecstatic to be back in his element today. He beamed for almost the entirety of his interview and cracked a few jokes, telling one reporter that he planned to take Rams CB and close friend Jalen Ramsey to McDonald’s to celebrate.

And hey, who could blame him? $19.1 million a year can buy as much McDonald’s as Ramsey wants.

Why Chargers safety Derwin James deserves his new, massive contract

Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield and Doug Farrar dive into Derwin James’ tape to reveal why he deserves his new new contract extension.

There is an old saw about football which holds that “the best ability is availability.”

While some coaches may still adhere to that view, there is perhaps a trait ending in “-ility” that better reflects the view of coaches today.

Versatility.

Bill Belichick, for example, often talks about “the more you can do” as a player. If you can contribute in different roles, including on special teams, you will find a home on an NFL roster.

Think about some of the players that have come through New England, such as players like Troy Brown and Julian Edelman. Receivers that were willing to contribute on special teams, as well as find a home on the defensive side of the ball if necessary. Few Patriots fans can forget the sight of Edelman covering Anquan Boldin on the final drive of an AFC Championship game…

With the news that the Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a four-year contract extension with safety Derwin James, making him the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL, the idea of versatility again comes to mind. Take this recent quote from head coach Brandon Staley about what James brings to the Chargers’ defense:

Staley points out the various ways the Chargers use him on the defensive side of the football. He can play from almost any alignment, and in virtually every kind of coverage.

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ Derwin James’ historic contract extension

Let’s take a look at some of the best reactions immediately after the Derwin James’ news broke.

The Chargers and Derwin James agreed to a massive four-year, $76.4 million contract extension on Wednesday, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

As the two sides negotiated the logistics of the deal, James sat out 14 practices but still participated in team walk-throughs and agility drills while serving as a mentor to his younger teammates.

As Los Angeles looks to make a deep run this upcoming season and for the foreseeable future, ensuring the team’s defensive chess piece was locked up for years to come was a priority.

Let’s take a look at some of the best reactions immediately after the news broke.

Chargers’ Derwin James becomes highest-paid safety in NFL

Derwin James is now the highest-paid safety in football.

After a 14-day hold-in, Derwin James became the highest-paid safety in the NFL on Wednesday, surpassing Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick when he signed a contract extension with the Chargers.

James’ deal is for four years worth $76.4 million, with an average of $19.1 million per year, including $42 million guaranteed.

James earning this paycheck is no surprise, as he has proven to be one of the best players at his position since 2018 when he was a Pro Bowler during his rookie season.

A chess piece on the field, James has proven to execute a variety of tasks on the field at a high level, whether it’s covering the opposing team’s top skill players, stopping the run, or pressuring quarterbacks.

Along with that, James is the vocal leader of the team. He has a great sense of when things aren’t going right and when he does need to pick his teammates up.

James is coming off an impressive 2021 season in which he amassed a career-high 118 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks and three forced fumbles in 15 games. That came after he was limited to five games in 2019 and missed all of 2020 due to injuries.

Chargers’ Derwin James sits out first day of training camp amid contract negotiations

The Chargers’ star safety did not participate on the first day of training camp.

The Chargers started their training camp on Wednesday.

Nearly every single player participated except for star safety Derwin James, who sat out the session. He was present but did not participate in any of the on-field drills.

James is in the process of negotiating a contract extension as he enters the fifth and final season of his rookie contract. Once official, he is expected to become the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

Afterward, head coach Brandon Staley confirmed that James did not practice because of his contract situation. Staley added that he feels like the two sides are close and said James would be full go once it gets done.

James was limited throughout the offseason program after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in February.