Chargers pay Derwin James, however what’s the construction?
The Los Angeles Chargers gave security Derwin James record-setting cash, however it stays to be seen how the deal pays out.
Derwin James is a superb participant, and on Wednesday morning, an awesome participant acquired paid.
The 26-year-old star security acquired a four-year extension value $76 million, together with a whopping $29 million the primary 12 months and $42 million assured. All instructed, each the assured cash and the common annual worth resets the security marketplace for the two-time Professional Bowler.
Sources: #Chargers S Derwin James is signing a 4-year extension averaging $19.1M per 12 months making him the very best paid Security in NFL historical past. The deal features a record-breaking $42M assured. James makes a file $29M in 12 months 1. Contract achieved by David Mulugheta of Athletes 1st
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2022
Chargers pay Derwin James a record-setting quantity
For the Chargers, this was the one transfer to make. James had been at every coaching camp follow to keep away from being fined, however he wasn’t taking part whereas his illustration negotiated an extension off his fifth-year choice. With the contract now achieved, James returns to work with slightly greater than three weeks earlier than the beginning of the common season.
Now, the large query is how the ensures are structured all through the contract.
The Chargers know they’ve a probably mammoth extension coming subsequent offseason for quarterback Justin Herbert. That cash, assuming it’s tacked onto the top of the rookie deal, will start in 2025.
Final week, I wrote about James’ contract state of affairs and what may shake out contemplating every part Chargers basic supervisor Tom Telesco has to consider. I was close:
The historic high-water marks for safeties are $84 million in complete worth (Landon Collins), $18.4 million yearly (Minkah Fitzpatrick) and $38 million assured (Jamal Adams).
For James, that might imply one thing akin to 5 years, $93 million and $40 million assured. That may be historic in all three predominant features. For the Chargers, they might front-load the assured portion, and primarily make the extension two years and $40 million with minimal lifeless cash over the ultimate three campaigns.
In the end, this may shield basic supervisor Tom Telesco in opposition to sunk prices if James can’t shake the harm bug, all whereas giving him what quantities to 3 workforce choices.
Once more, construction issues. That is very true with James, who has performed solely 36 of a doable 65 video games to date in his profession.
We’ll have to attend to see how Telesco set every part up, however contemplating my predictions on annual cash and ensures have been nearly an ideal match, I’d count on James to primarily be on a three-year deal — together with this season — after which have a pair of workforce choices.
Regardless, good for James, who has fought by important accidents to showcase his skills, and earn one of many richest offers for a defensive participant in NFL historical past.