The Los Angeles Chargers have made Derwin James of Haines City, Florida as the highest paid safety in National Football League history according to Erin Walsh of Bleacher Report on Wednesday. James signed a four-year deal worth $76.4 million.
James was initially the Chargers’ first round draft pick, 17th overall, in the 2018 National Football League Draft out of Florida State. A Pro Bowler for the second time in his career in 2021, he had 118 combined tackles (75 solo tackles and 43 assisted tackles), seven tackles for a loss, seven quarterback hits, two interceptions for 20 yards, five pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two sacks. James’s longest interception return was for 15 yards in a 28-14 Chargers win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
In his career, James has 257 combined tackles (173 solo tackles and 84 assisted tackles), 14 tackles for a loss, 13 quarterback hits, five interceptions for 50 yards, 19 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks.
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James was also a Pro Bowler in his rookie year. In 2018, he had 105 combined tackles (75 solo tackles and 30 assisted tackles), four tackles for a loss, six quarterback hits, three interceptions for 30 yards, 13 pass deflections, and 3.5 sacks. He was also the runner-up to Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts for the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Chargers made a significant effort to improve their defense in then offseason. Among the players they acquired were linebacker Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears, cornerback J.C. Jackson of the Los Angeles Chargers, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day from the Los Angeles Rams, nose tackle Austin Johnson from the New York Giants, and cornerback Bryce Callahan from the Denver Broncos.
