While he won't go down in the annals as one of the greatest players in Baltimore Ravens history, defensive back and undrafted free agent success story Tony Jefferson became a beloved fan favorite for his hard hits, infectious attitude, and penchant for making big plays in big games.
Jefferson retired after the 2022 season, joining the Ravens in a scouting capacity after calling it quits on a very successful nine-year career. After taking a year off, Jefferson is ready to put the pads back on.
Jefferson confirmed on social media that he is coming out of retirement and looking for another opportunity to chase a championship. Jefferson is now a free agent, which could either prompt. a return to Baltimore or get other teams interested in his services.
We are so back. Dialed in ⏰ pic.twitter.com/Z0pfDR7WVi
— Tony Jefferson (@Tljefferson23) May 28, 2024
Former Baltimore Ravens DB Tony Jefferson comes out of retirement
While Jefferson spent the first four seasons of his career as a role player with the Arizona Cardinals, he quickly became a lynchpin of Baltimore's defenses at the end of the last decade. Jefferson recorded 174 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions during his time with the Ravens.
After the 2019 season (in which he tore his ACL), it's been fairly tough sledding for Jefferson. After not playing in 2020, Jefferson was released after an ill-fated contract with the San Francisco 49ers. After a poor season with the Giants in 2022 where he failed to be the crafty playmaker he was in Baltimore, Jefferson retired.
If the Ravens want to at least kick around the idea of signing Jefferson, a reunion may be possible. The team's backups are currently Ar'Darius Washington and rookie Sanoussi Kane, and Jefferson might not have the baggage that recent Ravens link Jamal Adams does.
Jefferson is a firecracker who will instantly bring a degree of professionalism and energy to any defensive back room. If that sounds appealing to a contending team (it should), Jefferson might find it fairly easy to break back into the NFL and give it one last push at slipping a Super Bowl ring on his finger.