Tony Jefferson's retirement from the NFL didn't last long. After one year away from the league, he is coming back, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jefferson just announced in late May that he was considering returning to the league and was given a tryout at the team's minicamp.
The Chargers will be the fifth NFL team for Jefferson, who went undrafted out of Oklahoma in 2013. He spent four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Baltimore Ravens for three more seasons. He also had short stints with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants.
Jefferson is best known for his time in Baltimore. He has nearly 500 career tackles to go along with 9.5 sacks and four interceptions. He will bring a veteran presence to a safety room that already includes Derwin James.
Comeback complete: Free agent safety Tony Jefferson is officially coming out of retirement and signing with the #Chargers, per sources.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 14, 2024
The deal comes after Jefferson tried out during LA’s minicamp and impressed. New Bolts GM Joe Hortiz was previously in Baltimore with… pic.twitter.com/gSleCJNBcr
Los Angeles Chargers sign another former Baltimore Ravens player
But outside of James, the Chargers are a bit weak at the safety spot. Alohi Gilman, a sixth-round pick in 2020, has been consistent for the team but the depth after that gets a bit thin. The signing of Jefferson, even at 32 years old. makes sense. It gives defensive coordinator Jesse Minter another piece to get creative with.
The Chargers have signed several former Ravens this offseason, which is of course the team Jim Harbaugh's brother is the head coach of. In addition to Jefferson, the Chargers have brought in Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Hayden Hurst, and Bradley Bozeman this offseason.
All of those guys played under John Harbaugh.
