Derwin James, the Los Angeles Chargers safety, recently signed a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension in May, making him the highest-paid player at his position for the second time in his NFL career. Drafted 17th overall in 2018 out of Florida State, James has established himself as one of the league’s premier safeties, earning five Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors, including a first-team nod as a rookie.
James, now entering his ninth season, is praised for his versatility and impact across the Chargers’ defense amid multiple coaching and roster changes. Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers’ third head coach since James was drafted, has lauded him as the best safety he has ever seen, describing James as a “six-tool” player capable of excelling at various positions in the secondary, including nickel, dime linebacker, cornerback, and deep coverage roles. Harbaugh also highlighted James’ ability to blitz and compared his range of skills to the talents of legendary figures like Willie Mays.
According to Pro Football Focus, over the past season James lined up in diverse positions such as box safety, free safety, slot cornerback, wide cornerback, and even on the defensive line, showcasing his adaptability. Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary praised James for his ability to pressure quarterbacks and control the perimeter, calling him one of the best blitzing defenders in the league.
James has recorded a career total of 684 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks, placing him just one sack shy of joining a select group of NFL players with at least 600 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks within their first 100 games. Over the past five seasons, he has led defensive backs in quarterback pressures and sacks.
While James has achieved individual accolades, he emphasizes the importance of team success, something that has eluded him with the Chargers. He has been part of only one playoff victory since entering the league. The Chargers have posted consecutive 11-win seasons and secured playoff berths each year since 2022 but have struggled to advance beyond the wild-card round, often hampered by inconsistent offensive performances and key playoff losses.
Despite these setbacks, James remains optimistic about the Chargers’ prospects, expressing confidence that the team is on the cusp of deeper playoff success. He said the team is positioned as an 11- or 12-win contender annually and believes that overcoming the first round of the playoffs will unlock further achievements.
James also recognizes the significance of winning a championship in Los Angeles, a city known for its successful sports franchises, including the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams. The Chargers remain one of the 12 NFL teams yet to win a Super Bowl, a milestone James aims to help the franchise reach.
“If I could win the Super Bowl,” James said, reflecting on his accomplishments, “I’ve been paid three times, I made five Pro Bowls, five All-Pros. I’ve done all the single accolade things, I feel. But the team goal. ... This team has never won a Super Bowl.”
As he approaches his 30th birthday, James continues to pursue excellence both individually and as a leader committed to fostering a championship culture in Los Angeles.