Derwin James: Did the Chargers star deserve to become NFL's top-paid safety?

The 29-year-old has since agreed to a three-year, $75.6 million extension with $57.5 million guaranteed.

His new contract makes James the highest-paid safety in NFL history for the second time in his career, but is he really worth it?

We look at the numbers, what James brings to the table, and whether this is smart business from Hortiz.

James' deal resets the safety market

At $25.2 million per year, James inches past Baltimore's Kyle Hamilton ($25.1 million) to reclaim the top spot among annual earners at the position.

His previous extension in 2022 made him the league's highest-paid safety at $14.5 million per year at the time.

James was heading into the final year of that deal, which is what prompted Hortiz to go public with his intentions earlier this offseason.

"It's high, it's high," Hortiz said when asked how much of a priority re-signing James was. "He's such a special, special leader and person."

What James brings to the Chargers

Seven seasons in, James has 684 career tackles, 12 interceptions, 19 sacks and 40 tackles for loss, and he's done it all from multiple spots on the field.

Much more than 'just' a defensive back, James spends plenty of time in the box, deep, in the slot, and even on the defensive line.

He consistently performs at a high level in any of those positions, where he is a force against both the run and the pass.

He's made five Pro Bowls and earned his fifth All-Pro honour last year after another stellar campaign.

Last season alone, he put up 94 tackles, three interceptions, seven passes defensed, two sacks and six tackles for loss.

Those numbers were good enough to help the Bolts' defense rank fourth in passing yards allowed (3,314), third in passing touchdowns allowed (16) and third in interceptions (19).

PFF, which charts every player's snap in every game, has given James a career grade of 77.9, which ranks among the very best safeties in the league.

Whichever way we cut it, James is elite.

What the Chargers have said about James

Hortiz didn't hide his love for what James offers the Chargers, citing his passion and leadership qualities.

"Like Justin [Herbert], the talent is real," he said. "The leader and motivator and energy he gives to everybody within the organization, throughout the entire building, it's so unique.

"One of the best I've ever been around in terms of leadership, talent and character."

Head coach Jim Harbaugh has previously called James the best safety he's seen "in the history of the National Football League."

Harbaugh also said, "He is the one that is constantly holding himself and everybody to that standard."

Chris O'Leary, who replaced Jesse Minter as defensive coordinator, echoed Harbaugh's sentiment.

"One of my favourite players I've ever worked with and coached because of how contagious his energy is, how great he wants to be. I can't put into words how excited that I am. I'm ready to get started right now."

David Eulitt / Stringer

And finally, edge rusher and teammate Khalil Mack shared why he believes James is in truly rare company.

"Being around this league the last 12 years, I've never been around a guy like that. He's a super energetic guy, but then he goes out there on the practice field, game field, and he puts it on tape.

"It's unique when you got a player like him in the building. It's one of those things where you don't come around guys like that often."

The verdict: Did James deserve his record-breaking deal?

DAZN's Jason Abbey weighs in

This was a no-brainer. James deserves every bit of his new contract, as much for what he still has left in the tank as a reward for what he's already achieved.

Once labelled injury-prone after missing 11 games in 2019 and the entire 2020 season, James has very rarely missed a game since.

Granted, he's probably nearer the end of his career than the beginning, but his performances last year were every bit as good as they were earlier in his career, suggesting he's got years left in him yet.

An argument could be made that Kyle Hamilton is better, that Nick Emmanwori is the new face of the next generation, and once their deals come around again, their deal will certainly challenge James'.

But as things stand, and with the salary cap creeping up every year, the last big name to sign a deal is usually the new record holder, and right now, that's James.