Former Arizona Cardinals defensive back is re-signing with the Los Angeles Chargers, as confirmed by the team.
He began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2013 with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for four seasons and appeared in at least 15 games each year. He eventually earned a starting role in his final season with the Cardinals before entering free agency in the 2017 offseason.
He was then signed by the Baltimore Ravens to a four-year, $34 million deal. Jefferson started 35 games over his first three seasons with Baltimore, but his career was interrupted by a torn ACL in 2019, leading to his release before the 2020 season.
After sitting out the 2020 season, Jefferson played six games in 2021, bouncing between practice squads with the Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. In 2022, Jefferson joined the New York Giants, but injuries again limited him to just nine games.
Jefferson briefly retired in 2023, taking a position as a scouting intern with the Ravens, but returned to play for the Chargers in 2024, appearing in eight games.
According to the Los Angeles Chargers’ official team site, the reunion is a good fit for both parties.
“Jefferson’s return is likely more a depth piece, but that doesn’t underscore his importance to the defense.
“Jefferson played nine seasons with multiple teams before he spent the 2023 season as a scouting intern with the Ravens.
“He worked under Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz, who was then with Baltimore, and also played under Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter for three seasons with the Ravens (2017-2019).”
Jefferson is highly regarded for his time with Arizona, as he established himself as a Cardinals fan favorite.
Playing 121 games in ten years, Jefferson tallied 519 tackles with 24 passes defensed, 9.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and four interceptions.
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