Derwin James: Everything you need to know

James agreed to terms Tuesday on a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension with the Chargers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. James' extension includes $57.5 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $25.2 million, making him the highest-paid safety in league history. The 29-year-old has spent his entire seven-year career with the Chargers and is coming off yet another strong season, in which he racked up 94 tackles (50 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and three interceptions across 16 regular-season games.

James recorded four tackles (three solo) in the 16-3 wild-card loss to the Patriots on Sunday. James technically played 16 games for a third straight campaign, but the veteran was held out of Week 18 for rest purposes. While the 28-year-old put together arguably one of his healthiest seasons of his career, he wasn't quite as impactful at least in terms of splash plays, finishing with just two sacks after averaging close to four over the past three years. The now five-time Pro Bowler made up for that by tying his career high with three interceptions en route to second-team All-Pro honors for the third time in his career. The possible departure of head coach candidate and wunderkind defensive coordinator Jessie Minter might impact Los Angeles' defense as a whole next year, but James is unquestionably one of the NFL's elite at the safety position right now.

James (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos. The Chargers are resting several key starters for Week 18, so James will get an extra week of rest before the wild-card round of the AFC playoffs. With Elijah Molden (hamstring) also inactive, RJ Mickens and Tony Jefferson are poised to serve as the Chargers' starting safeties for Sunday's regular-season finale. James will conclude the 2025 regular season with 94 tackles (50 solo), including 2.0 sacks, seven pass defenses (three interceptions) and one forced fumble across 16 games.