AP sources: James, Chargers agree to $76.5M extension

By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the deal say Derwin James has agreed to a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid safety. The people say the deal includes $42 million in guaranteed salary. James is going into his fifth season. He was expected on the field Wednesday when the Chargers begin two days of joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys. He did not participate in the first two weeks of practice and took part only in walkthroughs as the two sides worked on an extension. James’ deal eclipses the four-year, $72.98 million extension Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick signed in June. That included $36 million in guaranteed salary.