Derwin James will undoubtedly go down as one of the best defensive players in LA Chargers history. Heck, he's already one of the best safeties in Chargers history, if not the best. This built-up equity has slightly distorted the current reality, however.
James had a bounce-back season in 2024 under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The 2018 first-round pick saw his production slip under former head coach Brandon Staley, with many believing that James was past his prime. Minter proved in 2024 that wasn't the case.
James' second season under Minter hasn't been as successful.