The safety market has yet another big-name free agent on the street, as nine-year veteran Tony Jefferson has unretired in hopes of joining a new team. The former undrafted free agent spent the 2023 season on Baltimore’s coaching staff but feels he has more to give on the field. Jefferson entered the NFL with the Cardinals, had his best years with the Baltimore Ravens, and made a brief cameo with the San Francisco 49ers before spending one season with the New York Giants in 2022. Will he return to one of his old teams, or will he join the fifth organization of his professional career?
As of this posting, Tony Jefferson joins a free agent safety group overloaded with talent. Justin Simmons is the head of the class, but big-name guys like Eddie Jackson, Marcus Maye, and Micah Hyde are still looking for work. Because of this, Jefferson might have to wait a while before he finds a new team. However, once the market finally moves, someone should be willing to take a shot on the veteran.
We are so back. Dialed in ⏰ pic.twitter.com/Z0pfDR7WVi
— Tony Jefferson (@Tljefferson23) May 28, 2024
Tony Jefferson Unretires, Hopes To Join New Team
At this point in his career, it’s safe to assume that free agent Tony Jefferson won’t be anything more than a reliable depth piece or situationally-limited starter. During his lone season with the New York Giants, Jefferson finished the year with a 65.3 overall PFF grade, but excelled with a 77.0 coverage grade. He allowed just 5.4 yards per reception and an 87.5 passer rating when targeted, which makes him something of a late-career Duron Harmon. While he certainly won’t break the bank, he can easily earn a job with that type of skillset.
Possible Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have a reliable box safety in Tyrann Mathieu but no answer at free safety. After parting ways with Marcus Maye in a cost-cutting move, the Saints don’t have anyone capable of staying in the middle of the field and taking away the deep pass. Tony Jefferson can provide that ability, and the free agent shouldn’t cost too much on the open market. Seeing as Dennis Allen will probably lose his job if this team doesn’t make the playoffs, he should be interested in a cost-effective fill for one of the biggest holes on the roster.
Baltimore Ravens
Is it a coincidence that Tony Jefferson decided to ditch the Ravens scouting department and become a free agent right after the team didn’t sign Jamal Adams to a new contract? Baltimore lost Geno Stone in free agency and is in the market for a third safety to pair with Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. Jefferson has a similar skillset to Stone and should be able to seamlessly slide into the defense and once again become a fixture in one of the league’s better units.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most ferocious defenses in the league. Unfortunately, their Achilles heel is the secondary, as they lack players capable of locking down the deep part of the field. Tony Jefferson isn’t peak Earl Thomas by any stretch of the imagination, but the free agent should be able to play a rotational role for the reigning NFC champions. While the team selected Malik Mustapha in the fourth round, he’s more of a box safety.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have a great safety in Jessie Bates and not much else. The Falcons believe they can compete with a competent starting quarterback in Kirk Cousins, but they must improve the defense to make a deep playoff push. Tony Jefferson could be a smart free agent signing to bolster the depth and shouldn’t eat up too much of Atlanta’s $6.7 million in cap space.
Kansas City Chiefs
Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs safeties had the benefit of supporting two lockdown cornerbacks in Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed. While McDuffie is still around, Sneed is off in Tennessee and Joshua Williams is currently set to start. While the youngster played well in small doses last year, it’s safe to assume he won’t play to the same lockdown level as Sneed. The Chiefs will need more from the safety position to compensate for this downgrade, and Tony Jefferson could be a perfect free agent fit.
Main Photo: Rich Barnes – USA Today Sports
