Does Derwin James' 4th Quarter Usage Mean His Chargers Tenure Is Ending?

Is this the beginning of the end for the All-Pro safety?

The Chargers' recent outing has underscored the fact that they are essentially playing for pride and perhaps a favorable draft position. After an embarrassing loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, they showed resilience in a competitive game against the Buffalo Bills, even though it ended in another defeat. With playoff hopes dashed, the Chargers are gearing up for significant changes in the upcoming offseason, including a new head coach and potentially a new general manager.

In the midst of this transition, attention is turning to the defensive end, where star safety Derwin James found himself on the sidelines during a crucial defensive stand against the Bills. The outcome was a game-winning field goal for the Bills, solidifying the Chargers' 5-10 record for the season. It's evident that the team has shifted its focus away from this season, and given the circumstances, it's understandable.

The question now arises: could there be substantial moves involving Derwin James this offseason? The signs are pointing in that direction. In the recent game, James played only 74.5% of defensive snaps, the lowest in his career when not injured or ejected. This might signal a potential departure for James, who has been with the Chargers for five seasons. Despite his undeniable talent and three Pro Bowl appearances, the expected success hasn't materialized during his tenure.

James, at 27 years old, still holds significant value in the league, and the Chargers, armed with his four-year, $76 million contract (with two years left after this season), could leverage this to secure draft picks or essential pieces for rebuilding. The critical factor will be the vision of the new Chargers general manager. The decision hinges on whether they see James as a cornerstone to build around, playing out his contract, or if they opt for a fresh start.

While the future remains uncertain, the recent game signals a potential turning point and perhaps the beginning of the end of Derwin James' tenure with the Chargers. As the team prepares for a new era, the fate of key players, including James, hangs in the balance.