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.
LETS GO!!!!! Dinner on you now lil bro @DerwinJames … you deserve this new contract more than anyone!
BEST IN THE BUSINESS! pic.twitter.com/FNfDMi7ms8— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) August 17, 2022
Congrats to my brother @DerwinJames the best safety in the world. Well deserved!!!!
— Casey Hayward (@show_case29) August 17, 2022
Not a bad run of first round picks for the Chargers between 2016-2021 which includes:
▫️QB Justin Herbert: OROY, Pro Bowler
▫️DE Joey Bosa: 4X Pro Bowler
▫️S Derwin James: 2X All Pro
▫️LT Rashawn Slater: All Pro as a rookie
▫️WR Mike Williams: 2 1,000+ yard seasons already— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 17, 2022
Game. Wrecker.
No wonder @DerwinJames is now the highest-paid safety in the league. 😤 pic.twitter.com/9M8pB7qWDc
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2022
Other than paying Mike Williams, J.C. Jackson, Derwin James, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Bryce Callahan, Kyle Van Noy, Morgan Fox, DeAndre Carter, Josh Harris (oh yes, this counts) and trading for Khalil Mack the Chargers just do not do ANYTHING. Cheap!
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) August 17, 2022
Congrats @DerwinJames .. Money well deserved. Probably bout time to have you on @thepivot then!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 17, 2022
19 million a year for a safety is perfectly acceptable when that safety is, ya know…Derwin James. https://t.co/Rn26n4krAf
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) August 17, 2022
Derwin James was an instant impact player as soon as he stepped foot in the NFL. When healthy, he’s the definition of a versatile safety.pic.twitter.com/Nl2LFhXfDH
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 17, 2022
Derwin James FSU Football Facility now a possibility! https://t.co/hlYFlo0poG
— Corey Clark (@Corey_Clark) August 17, 2022
When I think of the most dominant + most athletic + great leadership guys I’ve ever been around, Derwin James is on that short list!
More than a safety. Literally can put him anywhere on the field!
Congrats @DerwinJames ⚡️⚡️⚡️
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) August 17, 2022
Derwin James after becoming the highest paid safety in history for sitting in the infirmary for half his career pic.twitter.com/1iQ6aeoABD
— 🌯jordan🌯 (@bordanjuff) August 17, 2022
"Chargers are cheap and don't pay their players."
Tell that to Keenan, Mike Dub, Bosa, and Derwin James 🤫⚡️#BoltUp
— Adrian ⚡️ (@BoltedinAZ) August 17, 2022
Let’s gooo @DerwinJames ‼️‼️ He’s been a true pro thru this whole thing! https://t.co/kD0HVcrGai
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) August 17, 2022
