All Cardinals

Former Cardinals DB Comes Out of Retirement

Former Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson is heading to Los Angeles.
Donnie Druin|
Jul 29, 2022; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Tony Jefferson (23) practices drills at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2022; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Tony Jefferson (23) practices drills at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports | Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Arizona CardinalsLos Angeles Chargers

ARIZONA -- Former Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tony Jefferson has reportedly found a new home.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz:

"Comeback complete: Free agent safety Tony Jefferson is officially coming out of retirement and signing with the #Chargers, per sources.

"The deal comes after Jefferson tried out during LA’s minicamp and impressed. New Bolts GM Joe Hortiz was previously in Baltimore with Jefferson."

Jefferson turned 32-years-old earlier this year.

He first joined the league as an undrafted free agent with the Cardinals in 2013. Jefferson earned his first career start just two games into his rookie campaign and would go on to miss just one game in the entire four years he spent in the desert.

Jefferson's last season in Arizona featured 14 starts to pair with 96 tackles, five passes defensed and two sacks.

In the 2017 offseason, Jefferson inked a four-year, $34 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens and was a pivotal part of their defense until he tore his ACL in 2019. He's also featured for the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and a second stint in Baltimore before retiring in 2023.

Now, he's out of retirement (after operating in a scouting role for the Ravens last season) and joins a Chargers defense that's under new leadership. Jefferson announced his intentions to un-retire just a few weeks ago.

Now, he's back in the league.

Published
Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns On SI. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with the company since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!

Share on XFollow DonnieDruin