Where Chargers' Derwin James ranks among top safeties in NFL
· Yahoo Sports
Chargers safety Derwin James lands near the top of the list in ESPN's executives, coaches and scouts position ranking.
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Heading into the 2026 season, James lands at No. 2 in the ranking, nearly missing out on the top spot.
"James was a clear No. 2 in the voting, making an impressive four-spot jump from the previous year. That the Chargers gave James a three-year, $75.6 million extension weeks before voting started could have helped his cause. Money equals respect, validating the body of work.
"But the deal was a culmination of James ' strong two years under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Since 2024, James has a combined 7.5 sacks, four interceptions, 16 tackles for loss and 14 pass deflections."
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton claimed the No. 1 spot at the position for 2026.
James, 29, was ranked as high as No. 1 and as low as No. 5. One NFL secondary coach said the former Florida State Seminole could do it all on the football field.
"I thought Derwin had his best, most complete year," an NFL secondary coach said. "Blitzing, coverage, tackling, just overall was really good. … He can really do it all. And he's been healthy for a long stretch, which is good to see."
The All-Pro safety enters the 2026 season with massive expectations. He will remain the defensive anchor and the primary slot/hybird defender for the Chargers.
On top of that, James was awarded a historic and lucrative three-year, $75.6 million contract extension. That contract made him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at $25.2 million per year.
According to Pro Football Focus, James' overall grade in 2025 was 81.2, ranking 8th of 98 qualified safeties, including three interceptions and two pass breakups.
James is expected to pick up right where he left off this fall under new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Where Chargers' Derwin James ranks among top safeties in NFL