The LA Chargers haven't made many big moves this offseason but the team has brought back several fan favorites who entered free agency. Los Angeles continued that trend on Monday, although it came via another small roster move.
According to FOX's Jordan Schultz, the Chargers are re-signing veteran safety Tony Jefferson to a one-year deal. It is currently unclear what the value of the new deal is, although it will likely be near (or at) the league minimum.
Re-signing Jefferson does not change the ceiling of the Chargers in 2025 but it does bring back a respected veteran in the locker room. It's clear by the moves the Chargers have made this offseason that the team values locker room presence.
Chargers re-sign Tony Jefferson, who has to fight for an active roster spot
Just because the Chargers re-signed Jefferson to a one-year deal does not mean he is guaranteed an active roster spot. Jefferson was cut from the initial 53-man roster last year and was brought back to the practice squad.
Jefferson may have a better chance of making the roster as a fourth safety as the competition is not stark. That being said, with 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers may select a safety with the intention of them being on the active roster.
After all, Jefferson had one of the most impressive preseason games in recent Chargers history last year and that was not enough to get him an active roster spot to start the year. If the Chargers want to prioritize youth then that is the direction they will go.
Time will tell if Jefferson has a fast track to the 53-man roster or if he is destined to go to the practice squad. Either way, Jefferson proved last season that after a year of retirement he could still cut it in the right role.
The Chargers' current safety depth chart consists of Derwin James, Alohi Gilman and Elijah Molden. Gilman and Molden will primarily play the two deep safety positions with James spending most of his time at nickel corner.
With this unique set up, there is a bigger need for a fourth safety on the 53-man roster. The question isn't if the Chargers can use another safety, it's if Jefferson will be able to beat out whatever younger option the Chargers inevitably bring in.
Regardless of his role next season, Jefferson is a positive force to keep around.