Tony Jefferson survived the Chargers’ initial roster cuts, but he is set to quickly hit the open market. The veteran safety is being released, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The move is now official, per a team announcement. 
[RELATED: Chargers Acquire Taylor Heinicke From Falcons]
Rapoport notes, to little surprise, that Jefferson is expected to remain in the organization by signing a practice squad deal. The 32-year-old retired last May, but he spent the spring attempting an NFL comeback. That process included a free agent visit with the Chargers in June, and it resulted in a contract later that month.
Jefferson began his career with the Cardinals, and he landed a big-ticket free agent deal with the Ravens in 2017. The former UDFA spent three seasons in Baltimore, serving as a full-time starter until an ACL tear ended his 2019 campaign. Jefferson followed defensive coordinator Don Martindale to the Giants in 2022, making nine appearances. That was a positive sign after he had missed 2020 altogether and bounced on and off the Ravens’ and 49ers’ rosters the following year.
Presuming Jefferson is retained on the taxi squad, he will provide depth to the Chargers – a team which features a familiar face in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter – in the secondary. Given the time which has elapsed since his last game action, expectations will be relatively low if/when he is signed back to the active roster. Still, Jefferson could prove to be an effective pickup as the Bolts aim to find low-cost contributors on defense and special teams.
In another roster move, the Chargers waived running back Jaret Patterson. The former Commander played two seasons in Washington, but did not make any regular season appearances last season. He signed a futures deal with Los Angeles in January, and he managed to remain on the roster until today. Patterson will now hit the waiver wire, and if he clears he will be free to re-sign with the Bolts on the practice squad or join a new team in advance of Week 1.
It’s probably time for Jefferson to move on up to that deluxe apartment in the sky.
@crossedeyedlemon. He’s going to come back they can bring him back after they cut stick maybe keeping him for a week longer. I don’t get the point because heinicke will be fine with a week practice just run the ball if he’s needed. Jefferson isn’t going to sign anywhere, and he most likely is going to be a scout for the chargers after this year.