Chargers reach deal with safety attempting NFL comeback

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. 

Jefferson took part in Los Angeles’ minicamp aiming to secure a roster spot for at least the remainder of the offseason. 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 his strength as a run defender, posting five sacks and six forced fumbles with Arizona. Jefferson landed a four-year, $34M contract with the Ravens in 2017 and 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. However, his career was impacted by a 2019 ACL tear, and he was sidelined for the following campaign. A brief 2021 49ers spell led to a Ravens reunion, which was short-lived. After failing to survive the 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 several 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 repeating that role, he will try to resume his playing career. The Chargers entered Friday with over $21.5M in cap space, so adding Jefferson to what will likely be a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum will not be burdensome.