SAN DIEGO -- Married with two children, San Diego native Jimmy Wilson relished the opportunity to return to his roots and his support system by signing a two-year, $4.25 million contract with the San Diego Chargers in free agency.

"It’s just good to be able to play in my hometown in front of my own people," Wilson said. "God has been real good to me. The fact that he’s brought me full circle to where I first started playing football and started creating my dream is just amazing."

Wilson played at nearby Point Loma High and later went on to star at the University of Montana. But he didn’t grow up rooting for the powder blue and gold.

Veteran defensive back Jimmy Wilson (center) played all over the secondary for Miami last season. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

"I can’t lie to y’all, I was a Cowboys fan my whole life," Wilson said, laughing. "I’m an '86 kid, so I grew up with the Cowboys winning. But I’ve always been a [Junior] Seau fan, along with all the other greats that have been through here."

A durable and productive player during his four years with the Miami Dolphins, Wilson saw time at cornerback, slot defender and safety. But he really wanted a chance to earn a job as a starting safety in the NFL.

With Marcus Gilchrist signing with the New York Jets in free agency, Wilson should get that chance in San Diego. Gilchrist also served as San Diego’s slot defender in passing situations.

Wilson, 28, will compete for a starting job along with Jahleel Addae and Darrell Stuckey. And he should see extra reps this offseason with Eric Weddle not yet reporting to voluntary workouts.

"Of course, that’s the name of the game," Wilson said, when asked about competing for a starting job. "You don’t play this game just to be average. I’m here to be the best. I’m trying to be a Pro Bowler this year, and I’m trying to do everything I can to be an elite player in this league."

Wilson played in 787 defensive snaps for the Miami Dolphins last season. He finished with 58 tackles, an interception and two pass breakups in 2014.

Wilson only missed two games during his four-year tenure with the Dolphins. He has the physical skills to be a "hammer"-type player the Chargers are looking for -- someone who will come up and put a hit on a runner.

"I keep the same mindset," he said. "I always play like I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. So my mindset is to just come in and be a dog. No matter where I have to play, whether it’s special teams or whatever, I’m here to help the team win and get past that first round of the playoffs. And hopefully get to that Super Bowl."

Wilson praised Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano, saying the two hit it off at dinner during his visit with the team in free agency.

"I’ve already seen that he’s a man’s man," Wilson said. "He’s my type of guy. It’s going to be exciting playing for him. He wants men on this team. He lets you do your thing, lets you be great as long as it doesn’t cost the defense. So he lets you have your personality out here, and it’s going to fun to play for him."

Pagano is a creative defensive coordinator who likes to show a lot of different looks. He will be tasked with putting Wilson’s versatility to good use.

"Just seeing some film on the guys here, I think I fit in well with the DBs, just because everybody’s interchangeable and you have to learn a lot of positions here," Wilson said. "And that’s kind of the same thing I’ve been doing in Miami, whether it’s nickel cornerback or safety. I got to start at all three last year. I’ve been blessed to play a lot of football in my last four years, and I just think I can contribute to this team in all aspects of the defense."