Veteran security Tony Jefferson rejoins the Chargers after retiring.

Tony Jefferson, a safety, was signed by the Chargers on Friday, the organization announced.

After declaring his retirement in May 2023, Jefferson worked as a scouting intern with the Baltimore Ravens throughout the previous season. He interned with Joe Hortiz, the current general manager of the Chargers, who was the player personnel director for the Ravens at the time.

Jefferson spent ten seasons as an NFL player before switching to scouting. During his three and a half seasons in Baltimore, he collaborated alongside Jesse Minter, the current defensive coordinator for the Chargers, who was formerly the defensive assistant and defensive backs coach for the Ravens from 2017 to 2020.

“Tony’s a guy I’ve known since 2017 and just a pro’s pro that is very knowledgeable of some of the things that we’re doing defensively,” Minter stated. “I believe he is really eager to perform. It would be fascinating to see how things work out since during the past few months, he has been getting back into football form.”

In his nine games and twenty-three tackles in 2022, Jefferson was a member of the New York Giants.

On a tryout basis, the Chargers invited Jefferson in for the team’s minicamp, where he impressed colleagues, particularly All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr.

James expressed to reporters on Thursday that he hoped the team would sign Jefferson and that Jefferson has assisted players in understanding the lingo used in Minter’s strategy.

After James and Alohi Gilman in the Chargers’ safety depth chart, Jefferson, 32, will contend for the third place. James will probably play some slot cornerback, edge rusher, and other defensive spots, so it’s a crucial position for the Chargers.

Reporters had heard James mention it when he said, “That allows me to move around a little bit.”

After a long list that included tight end Hayden Hurst, running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, center Bradley Bozeman, and tight end Ben Mason, Jefferson is the most recent former Ravens player to sign with the Chargers.