Los Angeles Chargers Preseason Star Surprisingly Cut From Team

Typically, coaches and NFL general managers prioritize performances in actual games over what they see in practices or scrimmages. But just because a player does well in Los Angeles Chargers preseason games, it doesn’t mean they’ll automatically make the team. There are always other factors at play.

With the Chargers, and all other NFL teams required to trim rosters down from the 90-player maximum to a limit of just 53 by 1 p.m. PDT, GM Joe Hortiz has been busy.

Today, the Chargers have made a series of cuts. One of the more surprising ones, based on how he played in exhibition matchups, is veteran safety Tony Jefferson.

Jefferson managed to post an elite 93.5 grade from Pro Football Focus for his participation in the Chargers’ preseason games. Yet, that wasn’t good enough to help him avoid the chopping block.

Of course, it’s always possible that the Chargers intend to bring Jefferson back as one of their 17-player practice squad. As a 10-year veteran, he’d likely be more than prepared if called upon as a game-day elevation to the active roster.

Yet, after what he put on film throughout the preseason, it’s also very possible that Jefferson caught the eye of another team. That’s the risk the Chargers were apparently willing to take.

With Derwin James and Alohi Gilman firmly installed as the Chargers’ starting safeties, Jefferson never had a chance at starting with the first-team defense in L.A. Perhaps now the 33-year-old can land an easier path to playing time now that he’s available for any team to sign.