ESPN: Derwin James, Chargers Agree to 4-Year, $76.4M Contract as Top Paid Safety Ever

James will remain with the Bolts.

He agreed to a four-year contract extension. The safety's average salary is the highest ever.

The deal has $42 million in guarantees, according to Ian Rapoport.

If James hadn't agreed to a deal with the Bolts, he would have become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 campaign.

The extension came after Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bolts were "optimistic" about reaching an agreement.

James refused to take part in team drills as he waited for an extension. There was some concern that a deal wouldn't be done.

L.A.'s secondary has relied on James since he was drafted in the first round.

He was named a Pro Bowler after posting 105 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his first year. He was second in the defensive rookies of the year voting.

James missed the rest of the year after he suffered a stressFracture in his right foot. He missed the whole 2020 campaign with a knee injury.

He picked up where he left off.

James was third in the Comeback Player of the Year voting.

He's going to be a big part of a team that has high hopes for a deep playoff run.