Derwin James becoming the new Deion Sanders? It may happen under Jim Harbaugh

There was once a dynamic defensive back from Florida State who was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. That defensive back was Deion Sanders and his Hall of Fame career was more unique than just about any career in NFL history as he not only played on both sides of the ball but also played professional baseball.

The LA Chargers have their own promising defensive back from Florida State who was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft: Derwin James. James became an All-Pro right away in his rookie season in 2018 and has been one of the most dynamic safeties in the league ever since.

James does not have the baseball acumen of Sanders nor has he ever been an offensive weapon... yet. While James is not picking up the lumber anytime soon, the star safety might see some reps on the offensive side of the ball under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

During an appearance on the GOAT Farm Show, the star safety shared that the Chargers may have a package with James on offense thanks to the team's new head coach.

Derwin James could see some snaps on offense for the Chargers in 2024

James is not going to be someone who Harbaugh trots out on offense very often but we could see some trickery that involves James in some capacity this season. After all, Harbaugh is giving tight end and fullback snaps to backup guard Jordan McFadden, who has even caught a pass during training camp.

It is unlikely James will be able to match the offense numbers Sanders put up at his best. In 1996 Sanders caught 36 passes for 475 yards and a touchdown. He had three seasons in his decorated career where he finished with over 100 receiving yards.

But it was not always like that, nor was it like that every season. Sanders did not catch more than one pass in a season until his fourth year in 1992. In that 1992 season, he caught his first career receiving touchdown, following that up with another receiving touchdown in 1993.

That is the level of production James may have if he gets offensive snaps this season. After all, James has not played an offensive snap in the NFL and didn't get any offensive reps at Florida State, either.

Who knows, maybe a touchdown catch will inspire James to go full Prime Time and try his luck with Major League Baseball. The Los Angeles Dodgers might need an extra outfielder, after all.