The 26-year-old's extension comes as little surprise after ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on July 20 that the Chargers were "optimistic" about reaching an extension and that the expectation was that he would become the NFL's highest-paid player at his position.
The 2018 first-round pick earned his second career Pro Bowl nod this past season after finishing with 118 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Pro Football Focus was fond of his performance, ranking James ninth among 92 eligible safeties. The safety was limited to only five games in 2019 before sitting out the 2020 campaign, so it was a positive sign for both the player and organization that he could return to his Pro Bowl status.