All articles tagged with #derwin james
After a 2-0 start for the Raiders and a rough 0-2 start for the Chargers, safety Derwin James said the team must tell the truth about how badly they’ve played and fix what’s broken. He stressed accountability in the locker room and admitted they’re not being blown out, just a few plays away from turning things around. With road trips to Buffalo and Seattle upcoming, Los Angeles faces a critical stretch to salvage the season.
At the Chargers' first padded practice, Herbert opened strong in seven-on-seven but the defense took over in 11-on-11, with Derwin James Jr. and undrafted edge Nadame Tucker delivering multiple sacks and pressure, signaling a fierce unit under new coordinator Chris O'Leary; Slater left briefly with a knee issue but returned for drills.
Justin Herbert looked sharp in 7-on-7 drills on Day 2 of Chargers minicamp, pairing with multiple targets as Derwin James delivered a highlight with a deep-ball interception; the practice also spotlighted the offensive line under coach Butch Barry in the team’s outside-zone scheme, and included early looks at kickoff/return options on special teams.
Chargers safety Derwin James signed a three-year extension to become the NFL’s highest-paid safety, but he says his focus is on winning a Super Bowl for Los Angeles. The deal reflects his on-field versatility and contributions since he was drafted in 2018, but it hasn’t translated into major team success yet, with four playoff appearances and one win; the Chargers now have at least three more years to pursue a title.
The Chargers opened OTAs with Justin Herbert back on the field after missing Phase 2, and Derwin James signed a three-year extension to become the NFL’s highest-paid safety. Slater and Alt participated in drills as they rehab from injuries, signaling likely readiness for training camp, while the team explored more three-tight-end looks with David Njoku joining Oronde Gadsden and Charlie Kolar. Rookie edge Kennard faces a fight for a roster spot as veterans return, and Henley flashed with an interception in 11-on-11 as new defensive coordinator O’Leary brings a faster, more aggressive scheme inspired by Minter. The big questions will play out in training camp and the summer evaluations.”,
The Los Angeles Chargers named Chris O’Leary their new Defensive Coordinator, bringing back the former safeties coach after a standout 2025 season as Western Michigan’s DC. He helped Derwin James earn All-Pro honors in 2024, and with a core group under contract, O’Leary will run a defense built on ownership and continuity under Harbaugh’s leadership for the 2026 season.
The Los Angeles Chargers have named Chris O’Leary their new defensive coordinator, returning him to the staff to replace Jesse Minter, who left for the Ravens; O’Leary helped implement Minter’s scheme in 2024, coached Derwin James, and oversaw the onboarding of Elijah Molden as the defense remained in the Minter coaching tree.
Derwin James and Del'Shawn Phillips of the Chargers received Second-Team All-Pro honors for their performances in the 2025 season, with James recognized for his defensive skills and leadership, and Phillips for his exceptional special teams play, setting franchise records and earning his first All-Pro nod.
Derwin James sealed the Chargers' 10-4 record and playoff elimination of the Chiefs with a game-winning interception against Travis Kelce in a close AFC West rivalry game, showcasing his playmaking skills and leadership.
The Los Angeles Chargers secured a 17-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13, thanks to a strong defensive performance. Derwin James Jr. sealed the win with a crucial interception, while Marcus Maye, a recent addition to the team, also made a key interception. Ladd McConkey shone offensively with 117 receiving yards, but the Chargers' offense struggled overall, managing only 187 total yards. Despite these challenges, the Chargers improved to an 8-4 record, maintaining their playoff position.
The New York Giants are facing uncertainty at the safety position with Xavier McKinney set to become a free agent. While retaining McKinney is a priority, the team is exploring potential options including Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Antoine Winfield Jr., Kyle Dugger, Kamren Curl, Jeremy Chinn, Jayron Kearse, Taylor Rapp, and Terrell Edmunds to bolster their safety depth. Each player brings unique skills and experience that could benefit the Giants' defense, with the hope of solidifying the safety position for the upcoming season.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his goal of winning multiple championships and emphasized the importance of teamwork and effort during his introductory press conference. He confirmed Ben Herbert as the new head strength and conditioning coach and praised key players including Derwin James, dispelling any trade or cut rumors and positioning James as a cornerstone of the team's defense for the upcoming season.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley's job security is in question after a humiliating 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Staley expressed uncertainty about his future, but safety Derwin James and edge rusher Khalil Mack defended their belief in him. However, the team's inconsistent performance and numerous head-scratching defeats may outweigh their support, leaving Staley's position in jeopardy.
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James believes that the team's defense, comprised of a group of "grown men," will finally come together and improve in the 2023 season. Despite having star players like Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, the Chargers' defense has struggled in recent years. The addition of linebacker Eric Kendricks is expected to bolster the run game, but the entire defense needs to take a step forward under head coach Brandon Staley. The Chargers' defensive performance has been closely tied to their win-loss record, and they are determined to become a dominant unit this season.