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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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As the 2026 NFL season continues to approach, the league continues to roll out its annual Top 100 rankings.
On Monday, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James was announced as the NFL's No. 50 ranked player — as voted on by active NFL players.
James is widely considered one of the best safeties in the league. In his seventh season with the Chargers in 2025, he recorded 94 tackles, 2.0 sacks, eight QB hits, three interceptions and one forced fumble — earning his fifth career Pro-Bowl selection.
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James jumped up four spots on this year's list compared to the 2025 NFL Top 100 rankings.
The Chargers feel their defensive anchor should be higher on the list.
"Shoulda been higher on the list imo," the team wrote on social media, reacting to Monday's announcement.
James agreed to a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension with the Chargers in May, making him the league's highest-paid safety in terms of annual value.
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James and the Chargers will open up their 2026 NFL regular-season schedule with a Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 13. Last year, the Los Angeles franchise suffered a first-round playoff loss to the eventual AFC-champion New England Patriots after going 11-6 in the regular season.
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