Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James is excited to have cornerback Chris Harris Jr. joining the secondary.
The Chargers signed Harris to a two-year deal in free agency, and James said the veteran has more to prove (via Gavino Borquez of USA TODAY):
“I know Chris,” James said. “I knew of Chris before we traded for him. I always thought that he was a great player and I feel like he still has a lot in the tank – and I feel like just adding him will allow the defense to be very multiple.”
Harris was one of the best cornerbacks in the league towards the middle of last decade, and he was named to his fourth Pro Bowl in 2018.
But Harris was not nearly as sharp in coverage in 2019. Opposing quarterbacks completed over 67 percent of their passes for nearly 15 yards per attempt when targeting Harris' side of the field, per to Pro Football Reference.
Still, Harris' track record suggests he is capable of bouncing back, and he should benefit from joining an immensely talented secondary.
Desmond King and Casey Hayward are former Pro Bowlers, and Michael Davis also had a nice year. James himself might have the biggest impact on this Chargers defense.
James made First-Team All-Pro in his rookie season, but he missed 11 games last year due to a hamstring injury.
The former Florida State star hunts for the ball both in the secondary and in the backfield, and his presence over the top should serve to benefit a press-man corner like Harris.
As James also alluded to, Harris' arrival and the depth at defensive back should allow defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to throw multiple looks at opposing offenses.
Follow Us
Subscribe