Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James agrees to $76.4M deal, becomes NFL's highest-paid safety, source says

COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers and All-Pro safety Derwin James have agreed to terms on a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The deal has an average annual value of $19.13 million and resets the safety market, making James the highest-paid safety in NFL history, a source told Schefter.

James agreed to the deal one day after Chargers coach Brandon Staley described the star safety as an «impact player» and the «heartbeat of our defense.»

«When I see him, I'm like, 'That's a defensive back,' because he can play anywhere,» Staley said Tuesday. «He can play either safety spot, he can play corner.… He can rush the quarterback and make an impact as a blitzer, he can make an impact in man-to-man coverage, and then he can make an impact in zone defense, whether he's playing low or high — and he's our signal-caller and the heartbeat of our defense.»

James reported to training camp on July 26 but remained a «hold-in» over the past three weeks, missing 14 practices as contract negotiations continued. He did participate in team walk-throughs and individual agility drills, however, while keeping a constant presence among teammates on the sideline.

Staley expressed confidence that James would be physically ready to participate in football activities when a deal was reached, saying «there is no one that has more pride in his performance and his ability to be in shape, mentally and physically, to do the job at the highest level than him.»

James, 26, is a key playmaker on a defense that has heightened expectations this season after a significant upgrade in personnel.

The Chargers acquired outside linebacker Khalil Mack in a trade with the Chicago Bears to form a pass-rushing duo