The Baltimore Ravens announced on Monday that they had brought back a familiar face in the form of safety Tony Jefferson who has been signed to the team’s practice squad.
Head coach John Harbaugh spoke to reporters on Monday and indicated that the fan-favorite safety had been signed to the practice squad after a workout with the team on Monday.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals following the 2013 NFL Draft, Jefferson spent the first four years of his career in Arizona before signing a four-year, $34 million deal with the Ravens in the 2017 offseason.
Jefferson would spend just two of those years in Baltimore, but during that time he grew into a fan-favorite due to his lovable off-field persona. Now, he’s returned to the place he called home for three years.
Tony Jefferson gives the Ravens additional defensive back depth
Jefferson was an important part of the Ravens defense from 2017-2019 recording 174 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 35 career starts in Baltimore.
Unfortunately, the veteran safety tore his ACL during the 2019 season and was released in the offseason in a cost-cutting move. He spent all of 2020 out of football as he rehabbed his knee injury before returning in 2021.
Jefferson signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in June but was placed on the injured reserve and soon after released in August.
He re-signed with the 49ers and appeared in two games with the team, playing just two defensive snaps, before being released last week.
The Ravens have dealt with injuries at every position this season and have already lost two safeties for the season in starter DeShon Elliott and backup Ar’Darius Washington.
Jefferson will help provide additional depth to a Ravens secondary that absolutely needs it. One injury and he’ll likely hear his number called.
T-Jeff is back in Charm City.