Derwin James Jr. is one of the most versatile players in the NFL. Few can single-cover a wide receiver, cover his portion of the field at safety, or even play close to the line and deliver hits like a linebacker the way the Los Angeles Chargers star safety can.
However, one Sunday hit landed James into hot water with the league — and adds to a growing list of previous violations levied onto the Bolts’ defender.
Looking at Why Derwin James Jr. Was Suspended
James got handed a one-game suspension by the league office Monday following what the NFL described as “continued disregard” for the rules involving player safety.
“The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact. Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated,” the letter from NFL executive Jon Runyan shared to James.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport showed the video that led to James’ suspension — which shows the safety leading with his helmet on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Here’s the hit that earned #Chargers S Derwin James a one-game suspension for repeat violations of the NFL’s safety rules.
“The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact. … Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated.” pic.twitter.com/2KUxc25zrm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2024
James, though, told reporters after the game that he didn’t believe he hit the TE in the head or neck while calling the moment “frustrating.”
“I’ll look at the film and see if they sent me a fine or whatever it is,” James said. “I’m trying to get the guy to the ground. I don’t feel like I hit him in the head or neck, but we’ll look at it.”
The 28-year-old defender still ended the game placing third on the Chargers in tackles, plus became one of two defenders who snatched a sack in the 20-10 loss.
When on the field, James brings a multitude of skills that makes him a primary chess piece for new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The coach is already taking advantage of his versatility as a coverage defender and blitz option. Minter got James to play on seven defensive snaps as a pass-rushing option against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On the coverage end, James has established himself as one of the league’s best at covering plays deep — surrendering less than 3.9% of completions on post routes and allowing only a 1.9% completion percentage on corner routes according to TruMedia.
List of NFL Violations Committed by James
As Runyan pointed out in his letter to James announcing the decision, the league has noticed James commit multiple rule violations involving player safety.
But how repetitive has James’ breaking of the rules been ?
Despite his stellar and aggressive play, the latter has drawn numerous yellow markers for James. He became the league’s most penalized safety in 2023 with at least eight calls enforced by the officials. In addition to the penalties from last season, James has been penalized for unnecessary roughness seven times in his career.
One Dec. 2022 hit earned him an in-game ejection.
The hit that got Chargers’ S Derwin James ejected: pic.twitter.com/uBZFD88sjg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2022
Earlier during that same 2022 season, James applied what resembled a spinebuster maneuver more commonly seen on World Wrestling Entertainment’s Monday Night Raw. But here, he drives Travis Kelce into the ground in earth-shaking fashion.
A lot going on here… #TNFonPrime #LACvsKC on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/Fa02SqPmRn pic.twitter.com/IAoRCdWlGO— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2022
He was also fined $43,710 following a hit to the head of Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds during their Nov. 2023 contest at SoFi Stadium. James also got called for unnecessary roughness on that play.
James’ Next Move Revealed
Rapoport helped confirm that James is planning to appeal the suspension.
Meanwhile, NBC Sports Pro Football Talk insider Mike Florio shared who would handle the appeal process on the league side.
“If James appeals, the matter will be handled on an expedited basis by Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly hired and compensated by the NFL and the NFL Players Association,” Florio wrote.
In the event James loses his appeal, the Chargers then face the possibility of not having him, 2024 first-round selection Joe Alt or even All-Pro quarterback Justin Herbert for their upcoming AFC West showdown against the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs.