The Los Angeles Chargers have doubled down on defensive cornerstone Derwin James Jr, agreeing a three-year, $75.6m contract extension that again makes the five-time Pro Bowler the NFL’s highest-paid safety and underlines general manager Joe Hortiz’s desire to keep the former first-round pick in powder blue for the long haul.

The new deal reportedly includes $57.5m guaranteed and carries an annual average value of $25.2m, narrowly surpassing the mark set by Kyle Hamilton with the Baltimore Ravens. Speaking recently about James’ future, Hortiz said keeping the safety in Los Angeles had become a priority. Meanwhile, new Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary praised James’ influence within the organisation, claiming that the veteran was already ‘one of my favourite players I’ve ever worked with’, citing the safety’s ‘contagious energy’ and desire to ‘be great’.

The Chargers’ business is not necessarily finished at James, as Hortiz also confirmed the franchise has maintained dialogue with representatives for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen over a possible return.

“Right now, we’re in a spot where we’re looking at the roster and letting these young guys get a chance,” the GM said on a recent appearance on the Up and Adams show. “But I’ve had some communication with Keenan’s representation. We talk. Right now, our guys that we have, we’re letting them grow and develop, but [there’s] nothing but love for Keenan. That door is not closed.”

Elsewhere, the Detroit Lions locked up linebacker Jack Campbell through the 2030 season after agreeing a reported four-year extension worth $81m. Campbell emerged as one of the league’s premier off-ball linebackers in 2025, recording 176 tackles and earning All-Pro recognition.

The San Francisco 49ers have also rewarded Mac Jones after the former first-round pick revived his value during an extended spell deputising for Brock Purdy in 2025. According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, Jones has agreed revised terms for the 2026 season that include an additional $300,000 roster bonus, taking his base earnings to $3.55m with a further $2.25m available through incentives. The 27-year-old started eight games while Purdy battled injuries last season, completing a career-best 69.6 per cent of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions within Kyle Shanahan’s offence. Jones had been viewed by some around the league as a potential bridge starter candidate elsewhere following his performances in San Francisco, but the revised deal instead keeps experienced continuity behind Purdy heading into 2026.

The Miami Dolphins have also moved to reassure running back De’Von Achane about his future amid speculation surrounding the direction of the franchise. Achane, who recently signed a four-year extension reportedly worth up to $68m, said Miami management had made its intentions obvious during discussions.

“They made it clear I wasn’t getting traded.” he told former Dolphins lineman Terron Armstead’s podcast.

Achane also insisted expectations inside the building remain high despite outside doubts surrounding Miami’s roster reset, adding that ‘winning the division’ remains the team’s objective for 2026.

Not every negotiation around the league has progressed smoothly, however. The Arizona Cardinals and veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett are reportedly ‘significantly far apart’ in ongoing contract discussions, raising uncertainty over Brissett’s long-term future in Arizona after his arrival last season. The veteran was expected to compete with Gardner Minshew for the starting job in Glendale, with unexpected third-round draft pick Carson Beck waiting in the wings.