Chargers make Derwin James highest-paid safety amid Bills-Jordan Poyer stalemate
Another NFL safety has landed a contract extension with his team amid discussions between the Buffalo Bills and Jordan Poyer.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Chargers announced a massive contract extension with one of the league’s top safeties in Derwin James.
James landed a four-year deal worth up to $76.4 million. It’s an average of $19.1M per year, including $42M guaranteed.
James’ new contact puts some spotlight on the discussions between the Bills and Poyer since the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. Poyer has made it known this offseason that he wants a contract extension as he enters the final year of his current contract in 2022.
James’ deal is the second extension to be signed this offseason by a well-known safety in the NFL.
In June, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minkah Fitzpatrick agreed to an extension. That was a five-year contract worth $84.22M over five years with $36M of that guaranteed.
At the time, Fitzpatrick was the highest-paid player at his position but now that honor belongs to James.
The reason for noting the deals is because players around the league will take note. On occasion, they’ll use other contracts as a price point during talks.
That will certainly be the case with Poyer and the Bills.
However, we have a few important differences.
The biggest thing is age. Fitzpatrick was 25 when he signed his extension and James is 26. Poyer is already 31.
In terms of contract length, it would be surprising to see Poyer land a five-year extension from the Bills. Then again, the team did give pass rusher Von Miller a long-term deal in free agency and he’s 33.
Additionally, while Poyer has been overlooked in his career, he does have only one All-Pro nod which came just last year. Both James and Fitzpatrick have two. Plus, both are former first-round picks.
There are other factors that will be in play as well–but it’s certain that Poyer’s agent will be well aware of both figures as they talk to the Bills. The price might have just gone up again.
There are still positive signs on the Bills-Poyer front. Namely, he showed up to training camp. James was holding out.
That’s a good notion considering Poyer’s agent was at camp earlier this summer. Still, with the differing factors in mind, the team and player have some work to do.
