The NFL offseason is chugging along as teams around the league start to look toward the beginning of training camp in a few months. With the cap constantly moving up, franchises are dishing out more money than ever before.That's led to plenty of record-breaking contracts. It feels like whenever an NFL star signs a new contract, it's usually a deal that resets the market.READ MORE: Why Florida State’s Matchup Against Alabama Matters More Than EverThere aren't many defenders who have been more productive than former Florida State standout safety Derwin James Jr. since he was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018.James Jr. is being rewarded with a massive deal ahead of his ninth season in Los Angeles.Derwin James Jr. Is NFL's Highest-Paid Safety AgainMay 11, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James III (3) during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesOn Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Chargers and James Jr. agreed to terms on a massive extension. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, James is putting pen to paper on a three-year/$76.5 million deal to remain with the franchise.The contract makes James Jr. the highest-paid safety in the NFL. His $25.2 million average salary per year puts James Jr. ahead of Baltimore's Kyle Hamilton ($25.1 millon), Detroit's Kerby Joseph ($21.25 million), and Tampa Bay's ($21.025 million).— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 26, 2026James Jr. is one of the most important faces on the Chargers and a leader whom other players look to. He's been selected to the Pro Bowl five times, along with five All-Pro nods, including a first-team selection in 2018.During his professional career, James Jr. has totaled 684 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 46 pass deflections, and 12 interceptions. James Jr. missed the 2020 season due to a torn meniscus.This is the second time that James Jr. has earned the distinction of the highest-paid safety in the NFL. He previously held the honor following a four-year/$76.53 million extension in 2022.Which Former Florida State Players Are On NFL Teams (27)?RB Trey Benson - Arizona CardinalsOLB Josh Sweat - Arizona CardinalsDB Jammie Robinson - Atlanta FalconsWR Keon Coleman - Buffalo BillsK Ryan Fitzgerald - Carolina PanthersOL Jeremiah Byers - Cleveland BrownsDL Derrick Nnadi - Indianapolis ColtsDB Jarrian Jones - Jacksonville JaguarsDB Kevin Knowles - Kansas City ChiefsDB Derwin James Jr. - Los Angeles ChargersQB DJ Uiagalelei - Los Angeles ChargersDL Braden Fiske - Los Angeles RamsOLB Keir Thomas - Los Angeles RamsOLB Jared Verse - Los Angeles RamsDL Joshua Farmer - New England PatriotsOL Jacob Rizy - New England PatriotsOLB Brian Burns - New York GiantsQB Jameis Winston - New York GiantsDL Darrell Jackson Jr. - New York JetsDB Azareye'h Thomas - New York JetsWR Johnny Wilson - Philadelphia EaglesTE Jaheim Bell - Pittsburgh SteelersDB Jalen Ramsey - Pittsburgh SteelersDB Asante Samuel Jr. - Pittsburgh SteelersLB Tatum Bethune - San Francisco 49ersDB Renardo Green - San Francisco 49ersOLB Jermaine Johnson - Tennessee TitansSign up for our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X , and Instagram for the latest news.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow