After being out of game action for nearly two years, Tony Jefferson resurfaced in 2021. The 49ers and Ravens signed Jefferson last year, and he will end up sticking with the latter organization in the offseason.

The Ravens re-signed Jefferson on Thursday. He is now under contract for the 2022 season, which would be his ninth. Jefferson, 30, returned to play in four games with the Ravens last season.

Jefferson worked as a starter for the Ravens from 2017-19, following his free agent agreement with the team. An ACL tear in October 2019 led to the Ravens releasing him in 2020. Jefferson missed the 2020 season and did not land with a team again until the 49ers signed him last summer. Groin and hamstring injuries led him to San Francisco’s IR, but he returned to play in two games with the team. San Francisco cut Jefferson early in the season, however.

The former Cardinals UDFA caught on with the Ravens via a practice squad signing in October. He made 17 tackles and recorded a sack in his short run back in Baltimore. Jefferson will have a chance to play a fifth season with the Ravens in 2022.

Baltimore has starter Chuck Clark under contract for next season and used a third-round pick on Brandon Stephens last year. DeShon Elliott, whose injury opened the door for 11 Stephens starts, is on track for free agency. So is veteran hybrid Jimmy Smith.

In the midst of injury troubles throughout their secondary, the Ravens are bringing back a familiar face. The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec reports (via Twitter) that veteran safety Tony Jefferson has been signed to the practice squad. 

Originally undrafted out of Oklahoma, Jefferson signed with the Ravens in 2017 after starting his career with Arizona. That initial season in Charm City was his best, as he recorded 79 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. After missing most of the 2019 season due to a torn ACL, however, he was released.

Upon rehabbing throughout 2020, the soon-to-be 30-year-old signed with the 49ers in June. Groin and hamstring issues quickly saw him land on IR once again, however. After appearing in just two games and registering one tackle in San Francisco, Jefferson was released from the 49ers’ practice squad on Dec. 8th.

The Ravens’ season has been dominated by injury, especially in the secondary. All-Pro corners Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters are each out for the season, as is starting safety DeShon Elliott. Despite the presence of highly-trusted veteran Chuck Clark, miscommunication and big plays allowed have been a weekly occurrence.

Even with Jefferson in the fold, look for the Ravens to continue primarily using a rotation of sophomore Geno Stone and third-round rookie Brandon Stephens at safety for the remainder of the season. Baltimore hosts Green Bay in Week 15.