Tony Jefferson’s return to the NFL in 2024 proved successful enough to warrant another season, as he is set to re-sign with the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract, as reported by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. “Tony Jefferson was a valuable member of the Chargers’ secondary last season. Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter view him as a coach on the field as well — and now the veteran safety returns,” wrote Schultz.
This decision follows Jefferson’s brief retirement in 2023, during which he worked in scouting for the Baltimore Ravens, before making a comeback with the Chargers. He played eight regular-season games and one playoff game in his return.
Defensive Back Returns To Los Angeles Chargers
In the 2024 regular season, Jefferson recorded 27 tackles, and in the playoff loss to the Houston Texans, he added three tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. At 33 years old, Jefferson, an undrafted free agent from Oklahoma, originally joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2013. He spent his initial contract in Arizona before signing a four-year, $34 million deal with the Ravens in 2017, which included $19 million in guaranteed money.
However, the Ravens released him before the 2020 season, when he was set to earn a $7 million base salary. He later signed with the San Francisco 49ers in June 2021, but was placed on injured reserve and subsequently released with a settlement. Jefferson then rejoined the Ravens’ practice squad, fluctuating between the practice squad and the active roster to finish the 2021 season, and returned on a deal for the 2022 season. He also spent time on the New York Giants practice squad.
After a brief stint as a scout for the Ravens, Jefferson reversed his retirement decision and signed with the Chargers in June 2024. He had a strong preseason, but was initially cut before being brought back to the practice squad and then activated. In his eight games for the Chargers, he contributed 27 total tackles and one tackle for loss, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute at the NFL level.
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