It was reported by Bleacher Report Monday morning that veteran safety, Tony Jefferson, is coming out of retirement and has a few teams interested, including the Los Angeles Chargers. The 32-year-old played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2017 to 2021 when current Chargers GM, Joe Hortiz, was the club’s director of player personnel.
The former 2013 undrafted free agent announced his retirement in May of 2023 with the intent to become a scout for the Ravens. A year later Jefferson announced he was coming out of retirement.
Troy Jefferson To Tryout For Los Angeles Chargers
If the two sides agree on a contract, Jefferson will join the Chargers safety room led by Derwin James and Alohi Gilman. Behind them, the Chargers lack experience at the position. AJ Finley and JT Woods played just a handful of snaps last year. They also added two UDFAs this year, Akeem Dent and Jalyn Phillips. Gilman was signed to a two-year contract extension earlier this year.
Jefferson is in the mold of a Derwin James-like safety. He is stout against the run and is a good pass rusher as well. In his nine seasons in the league, he intercepted four passes and defended 19. He also compiled 164 run stops and 10 sacks. He played four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, before joining the Ravens. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants before his retirement.
Jefferson fits the new team build that Jim Harbaugh is implementing of a large physical bruising style of play.
If signed by the Chargers he would be the third former Raven the Chargers have signed this year.
