2024 Defense Stats
TCKL
94
SACKS
2.0
INT
3
FF
1
TD
0
2025 Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
There was no doubt that James would remain a key part of the Chargers' defense under a new coaching staff in 2024, though his versatility did create some questions about exactly how he would be deployed by coach Jim Harbaugh. His usage in terms of run defense versus coverage remained similar to past years, though he played a career-high 250 snaps in the slot while playing his fewest snaps at free safety since his rookie season. That led to more limited tackle output, though James was used creatively as a blitzer to pick up 5.5 sacks. With Elijah Molden and Alohi Gilman still in the mix, the Chargers will once again have the ability to use James all over the field - but that's not necessarily a positive for his fantasy value. Read Past Outlooks
Earns All-Pro honors again in 2025
James recorded four tackles (three solo) in the 16-3 wild-card loss to the Patriots on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
James technically played 16 games for a third straight campaign, but the veteran was held out of Week 18 for rest purposes. While the 28-year-old put together arguably one of his healthiest seasons of his career, he wasn't quite as impactful at least in terms of splash plays, finishing with just two sacks after averaging close to four over the past three years. The now five-time Pro Bowler made up for that by tying his career high with three interceptions en route to second-team All-Pro honors for the third time in his career. The possible departure of head coach candidate and wunderkind defensive coordinator Jessie Minter might impact Los Angeles' defense as a whole next year, but James is unquestionably one of the NFL's elites at the safety position right now.
James technically played 16 games for a third straight campaign, but the veteran was held out of Week 18 for rest purposes. While the 28-year-old put together arguably one of his healthiest seasons of his career, he wasn't quite as impactful at least in terms of splash plays, finishing with just two sacks after averaging close to four over the past three years. The now five-time Pro Bowler made up for that by tying his career high with three interceptions en route to second-team All-Pro honors for the third time in his career. The possible departure of head coach candidate and wunderkind defensive coordinator Jessie Minter might impact Los Angeles' defense as a whole next year, but James is unquestionably one of the NFL's elites at the safety position right now.
NFL Stats
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2024
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2018
2024 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
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2024 Derwin James Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do Derwin James' measurables compare to other safeties?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 2"Weight
215 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.47 secVertical Jump
40.0 inBroad Jump
132 inBench Press
21 reps
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
There's never been much doubt about James' ability to impact the game when on the field, but the problem has been keeping him off the injury report. He's missed at least one game in each of the last four seasons and multiple games on three occasions. The 2023 campaign was among his healthiest, and James delivered a career-high 125 total tackles while also showing off some of his ability as a dynamic playmaker with a pair of sacks, seven passes defensed and an interception. Though the arrival of Jim Harbaugh may bring question marks to the offensive side of the ball, he should have a major positive effect on the defense, with James being in the center of his plans. Even after baking in a few missed games, James' skill and situation is setting up for a very productive campaign so long as he can avoid significant injury.
More Fantasy News
Healthy scratch Week 18
James (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
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Picks off Stroud in Week 17 loss
James logged eight tackles (five solo) and an interception during the Chargers' 20-16 loss to the Texans on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
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Forces fumble vs. Dallas
James logged six tackles (five solo) and a forced fumble during the Chargers' 34-17 win over the Cowboys on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
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Productive in win over Kansas City
James recorded 10 tackles (two solo) and two pass breakups, including one interception, in the Chargers' win over the Chiefs on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
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Mostly quiet in win
James recorded three tackles (three solo) during Monday's 22-19 win versus the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Coach disagrees with suspension
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday that he disagreed with the NFL's decision to suspend James for his hit to the head of Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in Week 3, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was flagged for unnecessary roughness and then handed a one-game suspension that was upheld on appeal this week. However, Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that he wasn't upset with James, adding that Freiermuth changing course during the play caused James to eventually have contact with the tight end's head. Harbaugh also stated that James -- whose seven unnecessary roughness penalties since he entered the league in 2018 are the second most in that span -- has made a concerted effort to avoid any further issues and even reached out to officials on his own this past summer to get a better understanding of the current rules.
James was flagged for unnecessary roughness and then handed a one-game suspension that was upheld on appeal this week. However, Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that he wasn't upset with James, adding that Freiermuth changing course during the play caused James to eventually have contact with the tight end's head. Harbaugh also stated that James -- whose seven unnecessary roughness penalties since he entered the league in 2018 are the second most in that span -- has made a concerted effort to avoid any further issues and even reached out to officials on his own this past summer to get a better understanding of the current rules.