The Gang’s All Here At The Los Angeles’ Chargers Camp With Derwin James Agreeing To A Rich New Deal

Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James Jr. got what he wanted by skipping the majority of the team’s training camp practices: to become the top-paid safety in the NFL.

James, an All-Pro and the cornerstone of L.A.’s secondary, signed a four-year, $76.5 million extension on Wednesday morning. It includes $29 million in the first year, which is also a new standard for safeties, and $42 million is guaranteed.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick was the highest-compensated safety with a $72.9 million pact and $36 million of it is guaranteed.

There’s speculation that the Chargers were motivated to front-load James’ contract to give them more flexibility when possibly signing standout quarterback Justin Herbert to an extension in the future.

James, who has attended the Chargers’ workouts but not participated in them, was back on the field Wednesday afternoon doing individual work.

“This wasn’t like every other big contract that gets signed,’’ Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. “Because you know you what he had to go through in order to make it to this point in is pro football career. He overcame a lot to earn this contract and he earned every cent of it.’’

James was ecstatic about his new deal and the squad the Chargers have built around him.

“I’m humbled and I’m thankful for it,’’ James said. “We don’t try to put too much on ourselves, but we know what’s at stake. We know we have a Super Bowl-caliber roster.’’

The Chargers added two key components to a defense which was light years behind their explosive offense last season. Linebacker Khalil Mack and cornerback J.C. Jackson will serve as steady complements to James.

What made James’ negotiations complicated is that he does more than a traditional safety. His versatility and athleticism allows Staley to line James up in various spots and he’s productive regardless of his positioning.

Not many players, Staley often notes, can play both safety spots, be a cornerback on the outside and inside and plug a gap at linebacker. That’s James in a nutshell.

“I don’t look at Derwin as a safety,’’ Staley said. “I look at Derwin as an impact player.’’

So the Chargers and James’ agents had to find a middle ground for a player that has few peers.

Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams had the most guaranteed money at $38 million before James’ deal. But if you expand the comparisons to cornerbacks, the Cleveland Browns’ Denzel Ward has a $71.2 million in guarantees.

James didn’t quit match Ward, but he came close as the Chargers inch toward their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 11.

He’ll stay on the sidelines for Saturday’s preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Next week he’ll join in on team drills, with the former first-round pick eager to show he’s worth the investment the Chargers have made.

“We’re going to have to hold him back and it won’t be easy,’’ Staley said.

James has 257 tackles, 5.5 sacks and five interception in his 36 games with the Chargers. He was restricted to five games in 2019 and missed the 2020 season with injuries.

All indications are he is fit after undergoing shoulder surgery in February, soon after making his second Pro Bowl team.

Now James is back as part as the Chargers’ gang.

“He’s in the best shape of his life,’’ Staley said. “He feels great.’’

And grateful.