The Chargers on Monday announced they have agreed to terms with Tony Jefferson in free agency

Eric Smith

Tony Jefferson's NFL journey isn't over quite yet.

The Chargers on Monday agreed to terms with Jefferson, who provided strong safety depth in 2024 and could hold the same role again this season.

Jefferson is the second safety from the 2024 roster the Bolts have brought back this offseason.

Elijah Molden signed a contract extension before free agency, a move that keeps the Chargers starting safety trio intact and will allow Derwin James, Jr. to keep thriving in the slot.

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 seasonas a scouting internwith 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).

But he still had the itch to play and joined the Chargers last June and balled out in the Bolts preseason finale in Dallas to earn a spot on the practice squad.

Jefferson's presence was eventually needed as he played in eight games (with four starts) and racked up 27 tackles and a tackle for loss.

The 33-year-old provides a veteran presence for everyone on the roster, not just fellow safeties or defensive backs.

Yet he struck up a bond in 2024 with Tarheeb Still, a cornerback Jefferson had scouted during his time in Baltimore.

Still in December described the impact Jefferson had had on his rookie season.

"He helps me on and off the field. It's kind of like a bigger brother," Still said about Jefferson. "He plays safety, so safety communication [with] corners goes on. He sits next to me so I'll be like, 'What's the safety do on this play? Is he going to have this route if I do this?' Stuff like that.

"He really just let's me know the little small pointers of the defense, but also just keeping me level," Still continued. "Just being there when I need him, I could talk to him about anything on the field and off the field.

Still added: "He's been a great mentor for me and I appreciate him."

Looking forward, it's safe to pencil Jefferson in as the fourth safety on the depth chart right now behind James, Molden and Alohi Gilman.

He can give you some special teams snaps if needed and can also start in a pinch, something he did Falcons, Buccaneers, Broncos and Patriots last season.

Plus, Jefferson is beloved in the locker room as an uncle figure whom younger players can turn to for advice on and off the field.

Jefferson's return likely won't make any national headlines, but this is a savvy and smart move by Hortiz and the Bolts front office.

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