CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Convinced they have found their anchor at strong safety, the Carolina Panthers signed Chris Harris to a four-year contract extension today that will keep him with the team through the 2012 season.

Harris, who led the NFL and set a team record with eight forced fumbles last season, had one year left on his original deal.

"We decided to forego free agency and stay there because he was real happy," said Albert Elias, Harris' agent. "They made a fair offer."

Elias said Harris' deal is for $13.3 million over the next five years, a total that includes some incentives. Harris will receive a $2 million signing bonus this year and a $1 million roster bonus in 2009.

The Panthers were desperate for safety help during training camp last year when Nate Salley injured a knee and veteran Mike Minter was contemplating retirement. Carolina acquired Harris from Chicago for a fifth-round pick, and Minter retired a few days later.

The 25-year-old Harris, who had fallen down the depth chart with the Bears, went on to have his best his best season as a pro.

Harris ranked second on the team with a career-high 102 tackles. He had three forced fumbles in two weeks late in the season, including stripping the ball from Seattle running back Shaun Alexander in Carolina's upset win over the Seahawks.

Harris sat out the final game with a neck injury, but has since recovered.

Elias said he first discussed a contract extension with general manager Marty Hurney after Carolina's loss to Atlanta on Nov. 11. Discussions heated up over the past few weeks.

"This gives him some security and lets him play for a team that he really loves," Elias said.

Harris, who played at Louisiana-Monroe and was not invited to the NFL combine, was the Bears' sixth-round draft pick in 2005. He intercepted Peyton Manning in Chicago's loss to Indianapolis in the 2007 Super Bowl.