The Los Angeles Chargers have made a notable roster adjustment as they head into their Week 5 bye.
To accommodate the return of superstar safety Derwin James, who was suspended for last week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers have released safety Tony Jefferson. Jefferson was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Los Angeles’ Week 4 matchup with Kansas City, but despite James being sidelined, he did not see any defensive snaps during the game.
This season, Jefferson has participated in a total of seven defensive snaps and three special teams snaps with the Chargers.
Following the lifting of James’ suspension, the Chargers received a roster exemption. James served a one-game suspension for violating NFL health and safety protocols.
After a brief retirement, the 32-year-old Jefferson joined the Chargers in June 2024. He has enjoyed a solid career, starting 67 of 114 regular-season games with teams including the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, and Chargers.
Jefferson last played in the NFL in 2022 with the Giants.
The Southern California native has compiled an impressive career, recording 468 total tackles, four interceptions, 24 passes defended, 9.5 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, eight forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. Despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent, he has successfully played ten seasons in the NFL.
Jefferson completed his rookie contract in Arizona before signing a four-year, $34 million deal with the Ravens in 2017, which included $19 million guaranteed. During his time with the Cardinals, he played in 63 games, starting 31, and amassed 277 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, two interceptions (returning them for 267 yards), 11 passes defended, six forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
He spent three seasons with Baltimore from 2017 to 2019, signing a four-year, $34 million contract as an unrestricted free agent in 2017. However, he did not fulfill the entire contract, as he was released following the 2019 season after tearing his ACL, limiting him to just five games that year.
Jefferson, a former Oklahoma Sooner, was recognized as a Freshman All-American and shared the Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year title in 2010. He went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft but signed with the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent.