San Diego, CA -- (Sports Network) - The Chargers signed Clinton Hart to a five-year contract on Monday, keeping the strong safety in San Diego through the 2012 season.

Hart, a veteran of five NFL seasons, became a full-time starter with San Diego last season and made all 16 regular-season, and all three playoff starts. He totaled 109 tackles, good for third-most among Chargers.

"We are very happy to have Clinton as a part of our future," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said. "He was a first-year starter last year and was a major part of our team's success. We believe his best football is ahead of him."

Prior to last season, Hart was primarily a special teams and reserve player for the Chargers. San Diego acquired him off waivers from Philadelphia in 2004. In 78 regular-season games with the Eagles and Chargers, Hart has made 253 tackles and has 10 interceptions.