Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James remains one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents — but the people closest to him believe his best football may still lie ahead.
That includes new safeties coach Adam Fuller, who recently shared his outlook on James and how the team plans to utilize him in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s evolving system.
“He hasn’t even reached his ceiling, there’s so much there for him,” Fuller told Chargers.com’s Omar Navarro. “And the greatest thing is he wants it more than anybody. Those are the people that inspire you to be better, just to find ways.”
In 2024, James experienced a resurgence under Minter’s guidance, thriving in a more versatile role that saw him play closer to the line of scrimmage and in the slot — a shift that helped unlock his dynamic playmaking ability.
New Los Angeles Chargers Safties Coach Talks Derwin James
“Sometimes it’s not a technique, but it’s perspective,” Fuller added. “Using his experiences and the defensive staff’s experience — and Coach Harbaugh’s — to keep elevating him. You could tell he’s excited for it. They did a great job with him last year, but there’s still a lot more out there for him.”
Injuries last season forced James to move around frequently, at times pushing veteran depth options like Tony Jefferson into action. Still, the coaching staff remained focused on placing James in positions to thrive — a mindset that has carried into the 2025 offseason.
That commitment is reflected in recent moves like re-signing Elijah Molden, bolstering the secondary’s depth and flexibility.
For some, the idea of a 28-year-old James still reaching new levels might sound ambitious. But between a stronger supporting cast and growing familiarity with Minter’s scheme, the Chargers believe Year 2 in this system could be James’ most complete campaign yet.
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