Tony Jefferson‘s comeback attempt has landed an agreement. Shortly after trying out with the Chargers, the veteran safety is signing a deal with the team, veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports. The move is now official.
Jefferson took part in Los Angeles’ minicamp aiming to secure a roster spot for at least the remainder of the offseason. Now, the Chula Vista, California native will look to carve out a role on defense and/or special teams with the Bolts. Jefferson last played with the Giants in 2022.
The 32-year-old established himself as a starter during his tenure with the Cardinals. He showcased a strength as a run defender in particular during that time, posting five sacks and six forced fumbles with Arizona. Jefferson landed a four-year, $34MM contract with the Ravens in 2017 and he remained a consistent first-team presence during his time in Baltimore.
Across 35 Ravens starts, the former UDFA posted a pair of interceptions and 12 pass deflections. His career was impacted by a 2019 ACL tear, though, and he was sidelined for the following campaign. A brief 2021 49ers spell led to a Ravens reunion, but that too was short-lived. After failing to survive Ravens roster cutdowns two years ago, Jefferson played under Don Martindale with the Giants.
By joining the Chargers, he has once again undertaken a reunion with familiar faces. Longtime Ravens executive Joe Hortiz is now the general manager in Los Angeles, and a number of staffers with connections to Baltimore are in place under Jim Harbaugh. That includes defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who served as a DBs coach with the Ravens during Jefferson’s time there.
The latter worked as a scouting intern in Baltimore last season, but instead of a repeat in that capacity he will try and resume his playing career. The Chargers entered Friday with over $21.5MM in cap space, so adding Jefferson on what will likely be a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum will not be burdensome.