Derwin James Jr. Fantasy

The Los Angeles Chargers and safety Derwin James are "cautiously optimistic" that they will agree on a long-term contract extension before the start of the regular season, according to a person familiar with the situation. Both sides want to get a deal done with James entering the final year of his current deal. The Chargers will not allow the former first-rounder to reach the open market. The 25-year-old played in only five games in 2019 due to injury and missed all of 2020, but he bounced back with a Pro Bowl season last year by recording a career-high 118 tackles (75 solo), seven tackles for loss, seven QB hits, two sacks, two interceptions, five passes defensed and three forced fumbles in 15 starts. James can do it all and will be high-upside defensive back in IDP leagues despite his injury history.

Apr. 8th • 3:22 PM

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said that safety Derwin James (knee) is cleared for full participation at the team's organized team activities after he suffered a torn meniscus before the start of last season. James' role with the team could involve playing more deep safety under the new coaching staff. "I love it. I can't wait," James said of Staley's new scheme. "I can't share too much about what we're going to be doing, but like I said, I'm very excited for this scheme. Just know that we're going to make a lot of plays." The 24-year-old was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in his rookie season in 2018 after he was drafted in the first round, but he's played in just five games since. If healthy, James is a game-changer in the secondary and could really elevate the Bolts defense to fantasy relevance once again.

May. 25th • 12:50 PM

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James (knee) missed all of the 2020 season and played in just five games in 2019 after he was named a first-team All-Pro in his rookie year in 2018. But James is as hungry as ever to get back on the field and play in 2021. "I think I'm about to starve, how hungry I am," James said. "I can't even lie to you. I feel like I just need to eat something. I'm hungry." When healthy, he's a ballhawk that flies all over the field, and he could take the Chargers Defense to the next level if he can stay on the field next season. The 24-year-old has missed 27 games in the last two seasons, but he could be an every-week starter at defensive back for those in IDP leagues if he can avoid the injury bug in 2021. The Florida State product had season-ending knee surgery in September but should be ready to go for training camp this summer.

Jan. 13th • 12:09 PM