Chargers safety Derwin James is entering his eighth NFL season, and turning 30 hasn’t slowed down the All-Pro.
James remains one of the league’s top defenders and has become one of its veteran leaders, making him an easy choice for Tyler Sullivan’s CBS Sports ranking of the top 30 players age 30 and over.
Sullivan ranked James No. 17, but left Khalil Mack off the list entirely.
“Anything you need done at the safety position, Derwin James can do it,” Sullivan wrote.
“He remains one of the central pieces of a Chargers defense that has been one of the best in the NFL over the last two seasons. In that time (2024-2025), they’re top five in the league in points per game allowed (18.9, third), yards per game allowed (301.8, fourth), third-down conversion rate (36%, fourth), and red zone touchdown rate (46%, second). Not surprisingly, James has been a Pro Bowler and second-team All -Pro in each of those seasons. On top of piling up 94 tackles last year, James also broke up seven passes and notched three interceptions. A true do-it-all weapon for Jim Harbaugh.
Despite his age, James has proven he remains elite and shows no signs of slowing down.
The 30-year-old has been a stalwart for the Chargers throughout his career.
James has earned five Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor while recording 12 interceptions, 46 passes defended, 19 sacks, 684 total tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 36 quarterback hits, and six forced fumbles.
What makes James so valuable is his versatility. The former Florida State Seminole can play virtually anywhere on defense, lining up at safety, slot cornerback, linebacker, and even as a pass rusher.
Mack failed to make the list, possibly due to a dip in his production. The 35-year-old totaled only 5.5 sacks in 2025, a significant drop from his 2023 sack total of 17. After the 2025 season, Mack pondered retirement but chose to continue his NFL career as he seeks playoff success.
Mack is at the tail end of his career; however, he is expected to play a vital role in the Chargers’ defense in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers get one player on top 30 list of NFL stars over 30
Reporting by Ricardo Sandoval , Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ricardo Sandoval , Chargers Wire | USA TODAY Network
