Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance throws the ball as passing game coordinator Marcus Brady watches during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Trey Lance tried Derwin James in practice and it went as poorly as you'd expect

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 6:01 PM ET

Trey Lance signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason to back up star quarterback Justin Herbert.

Lance, who was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft , is now on his third team. He was unseated by Brock Purdy while playing for the San Francisco 49ers, and was unable to move up to the QB2 spot during the past two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

In Los Angeles, he's firmly in control of the No. 2 spot, which might help him find the confidence to develop. While building that confidence, however, he might not want to test Derwin James anymore.

During one of the team's minicamp practices, Lance thought he could fit the ball past James, but the All-Pro safety was there to come away with the interception.

dj w the INT pic.twitter.com/BgVxc2EKZf
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 12, 2025

"Quarterback Trey Lance tried to rip a pass down the seam as James was in coverage against a receiver. But the All-Pro safety shipped his head around at the last second and deflected the ball to himself." — Eric Smith, Chargers.com

To be fair to Lance, James was on fire this week. He's also an All-Pro for a reason. That said, it has to be concerning for the Chargers to see Lance throwing the ball to defenders. They know as well as anyone how quickly he can spiral, especially since they had five picks against him during the 2024 preseason.

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