Star safety Derwin James agrees to four-year contract extension with Chargers

The Chargers resolved the biggest issue hanging over their training camp, agreeing to terms on a contract extension for star safety Derwin James Jr.

James will receive four years and up to $76.5 million — $42 million of which is guaranteed — in new money, making him the NFL’s highest-paid at his position.

James has been with the Chargers, participating in meetings and walk-throughs but has not been practicing.

Entering his fifth season, James was set to make slightly more than $9 million on the option of his rookie deal.

He’s coming off a season in which he made his second Pro Bowl and firmly established himself as the key piece of head coach Brandon Staley’s defense. James is the Chargers’ signal-caller and widely acknowledged leader — both physically and emotionally.

James possesses the versatility to play all over the field, from lining up deep to coming off the edge as a pass rusher and nearly everything in between.

The extension market for safeties had been reset in mid-June when Pittsburgh agreed to terms with Minkah Fitzpatrick on a deal that added four years and up to $73.6 million — with $36 million guaranteed — to his rookie contract.

In the 2018 draft, Miami selected Fitzpatrick 11th overall, six spots before the Chargers picked James. The Dolphins traded Fitzpatrick to the Steelers in September of 2019.

An All-Pro as a rookie, James appeared in only five games in 2019 and ’20 because of injury.

He had shoulder surgery after the 2021 season but was able to remain on the field and provide production despite getting hurt early on.

He totaled 118 tackles, finishing third league-wide among defensive backs. Fitzpatrick was first with 124.

At the opening of camp, Staley said James’ shoulder was sound and that he’d be a full-go health-wise once his contract situation was settled.