The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with safety Derwin James Jr., continuing their commitment to one of the NFL’s top defensive players.
Drafted 17th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, James has distinguished himself with five Pro Bowl selections and five Associated Press All-Pro honors, including first-team All-Pro recognition as a rookie in 2018. He made history that year by becoming the first Chargers rookie to earn AP first-team All-Pro and the first player in team history to be named both first-team and second-team All-Pro at separate positions during the same season.
James has started all 98 regular-season games he has played, accumulating 684 tackles (433 solo), 19.0 sacks, 12 interceptions, 46 passes defensed, 40 tackles for loss, 36 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles and three recoveries. His 19.0 career sacks rank third all-time among defensive backs within their first eight seasons since sacks became official in 1982.
Anchoring the Chargers defense, James helped the unit rank fourth in total defense over the last two seasons, allowing 304.8 yards per game. In 2024, Los Angeles led the NFL by allowing only 17.7 points per game. James earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 3 of the 2025 season for a performance that included 10 solo tackles, a sack, and four tackles for loss, and he has twice been named AFC Defensive Player of the Month.
Before entering the NFL, James played college football at Florida State University, where he was a first-team All-American and first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection in 2017. He also earned Defensive Most Valuable Player and Freshman All-America honors during his collegiate career.
CSB Take
The Los Angeles Chargers securing Derwin James Jr. with a multi-year extension emphasizes their focus on sustaining a strong defensive foundation. Jamess consistent elite performance and leadership are critical assets that reinforce the Chargers defensive identity. This move should help the team compete at a high level defensively in the coming years, providing stability in the secondary and a dependable playmaker on the field.
Source: Original report
