The Los Angeles Chargers are pulling out the stops to become more competitive this season.

First, they’ve added Sebastian Joseph-Day, Khalil Mack, and J.C. Jackson on defense.

Now, they’ve made sure that Derwin James won’t go anywhere.

ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, “Derwin James and the Chargers have agreed on a massive 4-year $76.4M extension, which averages $19.133M a year and resets the safety market. This deal makes James the highest paid safety in NFL history, per source.”

The deal includes $42 million in guaranteed money and it makes him a Charger until 2026.

James’ mega-extension will take effect in 2023 because he will be playing under a fifth-year option in 2022 worth $9 million.

The $19.133 million annual average value is around $900,000 more than Minkah Fitzpatrick‘s average salary from the lucrative extension he received this offseason.

After James and Fitzpatrick, Jamal Adams, Harrison Smith, and Justin Simmons have the highest salaries among NFL safeties.

A Quick Glance At James’ NFL Career So Far

The former Florida State standout has made an impact since the Chargers selected him 17th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

In his first year alone, he became a Pro Bowler, a First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team.

He had his second Pro Bowl and All-Pro distinctions last season when he finished with 75 solo tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, five passes defended, and three forced fumbles.

His 2021 performance is also a fantastic comeback after sitting out the 2020 season due to a torn meniscus.

James only played five games in 2019 due to a stress fracture on his right foot.

Through 2021, he has 257 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, five interceptions, and 19 pass deflections despite playing only two full seasons.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Bryson DeChambeau pays tribute to the late Payne Stewart after winning U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy chokes away U.S. Open with pair of brutal missed putts
Watch: Dodgers' Mookie Betts leaves game after taking 98 mph pitch to hand
Dodgers' Dave Roberts confirms Yoshinobu Yamamoto is going on 15-day IL
Ryan Blaney staves off challengers for dominant win at Iowa Corn 350
Sky forward Angel Reese rips officials following loss to Fever
Watch: Denmark's Christian Eriksen nets goal at Euro 2024 three years after suffering cardiac arrest
Watch: UFL championship marred by late on-field altercation between Stallions, Brahmas
Is Commanders' Jayden Daniels likely to open season as starting QB?
Kyrie Irving's warning to potential Celtics is being taken out of context
What could the Ducks fetch for Trevor Zegras in trade?
The biggest surprises during the 2024 MLB season so far
Dodgers star will miss 'some time' with broken bone in left wrist
Former MLB journeyman dies at 61 years old
Pivotal Celtics center deemed questionable ahead of Game 5
Draymond Green weighs in on Klay Thompson's latest move
Tom Brady makes his broadcasting debut during UFL championship
Former top-five pick could follow the Dante Exum blueprint for NBA return
Yankees shelve top prospect once more due to injury concern
Watch: Reds' Elly De La Cruz scores from second base on pickoff attempt