Tony Jefferson put off retirement for another season, agreeing Tuesday to return to the Chargers on a one-season contract reportedly worth $2 million. The 2026 season will be Jefferson’s third as a depth safety with the Chargers and his 12th in the NFL overall.
Jefferson, 34, was the Chargers’ third-leading tackler with 54 this past season. Only linebacker Daiyan Henley, with 101 tackles, and safety Derwin James Jr., with 94, had more. Jefferson and cornerback Donte Jackson shared the team lead with four interceptions apiece.
After playing a limited role with the New York Giants during the 2022 season, Jefferson retired and joined the Baltimore Ravens’ scouting department as an intern for 2023. He missed playing the game, though, and signed in 2024 with the Chargers, who took a chance on him.
Jefferson played eight games, starting four, during the ‘24 season, making the team based largely on an impressive training camp and a strong exhibition showing against the Dallas Cowboys. He then earned a more prominent role in the secondary for the ‘25 season.
Jefferson played in 13 games, starting eight, last season.
In addition to the Chargers and Giants, he has played with the Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2013 from Oklahoma. He was a standout at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, a three-time first-team All-CIF pick.