Costa Mesa, Calif. — On Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers fans finally got to see what they've been waiting for heading into three weeks of training camp. Powder Darwin he's James running out onto the field in his blue clothes with a smile on his face. Practice jerseys, helmets and shoulder pads.
James attended his first practice after signing his $76.5 million contract extension over four years, earning the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
"This wasn't like every other big contract signed, because I don't know what he had to go through to get to this point in his career. Because I know," said Brandon Staley, his coach. "He went through a lot to win this contract and won it all. He was a big, big leader for us today."
The deal includes a $42 million salary guarantee. James did not participate in the first three weeks of practice, only participating in a walkthrough as both sides worked on overtime.
After finishing the first day of joint practice, James said: "I feel great. There was no doubt in my mind (the deal will be done). I want to come here every day to get better in any way I can." And I just tried to do what I could as a player.”
James' contract tops the four-year, $72.98 million extension signed by Pittsburgh's Minker Fitzpatrick in June. This included $36 million in guaranteed salary.
James attended individual practices, but did not participate in his 7-on-7 or overall team practices with the Cowboys. Staley said James won't be joining Teamwork until next week.
The Chargers have spent nearly $112 million in guaranteed pay since the end of last season to improve their defense, finishing 23rd overall in run defense, third-down conversions, and a run defense allowed after halftime. It came close to the bottom in key categories, including the number of points
James — a huddle and defensive signal-caller — is expected to lead a unit that has undergone significant upgrades in the off-season. Los Angeles signed cornerback J.C. Jackson, defensive he lineman Sebastian Jones, he day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, edge rusher Kyle Van Noy, and linebacker Khalil he also traded for Mack.
Staley on Tuesday underscored the importance of James, saying he is more than just a safety, he is a full defensive back. Staley also called James "the heartbeat of our defense."
"It's a privilege for me that people can think of you that way. I feel it carries a lot of weight. Don't be arrogant, just Keep working and stay humble," James said.
James — who was selected 17th overall in the 2018 Draft — did not participate in full speed practice during his program in the offseason after undergoing shoulder surgery after the end of last season. With his contract issues resolved, he is allowed to go.
James was named an All-Pro as a rookie, but his next two seasons were derailed by an injury during his training camp. In 2019, a broken leg kept him out of five games, and in 2020, he suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Last season, James recovered and reclaimed his place as one of the league's top safeties. He was his eighth defensive his player and first defensive his back since 2000 to surpass 100 tackles (118).
James also made two interceptions, two sacks and three fumbles. In his first four seasons he wore number 33, then in high school and college he wore number 3.
Nearly two hours of practice between the Cowboys and Chargers was going well. without a brawl.
Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons said he was happy with the session. I think we've made a lot of progress, especially since last week....and I feel like the energy is there.It's kind of the standard we need to play in every game this year."
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler said it was nice to play against another team and see what they were up to.
"There's a lot to learn. I didn't know what they were going to do and they defensively showed us some looks that we weren't really ready for today. We kind of figured it out on the spot,” he said.
"It's a place where you can really see the true value of your team and how you can actually react and play in situations of stress, when things don't go your way and things don't go as planned."
