https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/24/chargers-derwin-james-snap-count-bills/

Alex Insdorf
December 24, 2023 3:53 pm PT

Chargers safety Derwin James had a reduced role against the Bills.

With a large majority of snaps that took place at slot corner and near
the box, James played the fewest snaps of his career, excluding
injuries/ejections. 41 snaps was the fewest played for the former
All-Pro in a game since he was ejected against the Colts.

Earlier in the week, interim head coach Giff Smith did talk about
potential changes to Brandon Staley’s defense. On Tuesday, Smith did
hint at personnel changes:

We’re going to put the best guys out there in the best position to
have the opportunity to stop Buffalo and give us a chance to win.

James played over 50% of his 41 snaps at slot corner specifically. It’s
the continuation of a gradual trend of having him play fewer of the deep
aspects of the safety position, effectively limiting him to the box.
James also registered his third consecutive game with a PFF grade lower
than 45.0.

Notably, he was on the sideline on a 3rd and 8 play when Essang Bassey
was playing the slot against Stefon Diggs. The Bills would convert
against Bassey and effectively ice the game from there.

The firings of Tom Telesco and Staley will produce a domino effect of
roster decisions going forward. One has to wonder where that leaves
James in the shuffle if his snaps were immediately reduced the game
after Staley’s ouster. Not to mention, is James comfortable with a slot
majority role? The constant changes in his role this year are not
something generally seen with the highest-paid players at their
respective positions leaguewide.

From the Chargers’ standpoint, is it worth it to pay James as the most
expensive safety in the league when they’re no longer using him as the
Swiss Army Knife-esque key to their defense anymore?

New Chargers leadership will have many questions to answer, but the
future role of James remains perhaps the biggest question regarding
defensive roster construction.