When it comes to a fresh wave of competition for the Los Angeles Chargers, there might be some tough decisions to be made. It always hurts to see someone who defied the odds to make the 53-man roster just a season ago be on the brink of not making the team, but that might be the case for one well-respected veteran.
Youth May Leave No Room for a Defensive Veteran
Chargers safety Tony Jefferson, who was re-signed to a one-year deal earlier this offseason, could be a surprising cut candidate, according to Matthew Schmidt of Chargers SI.
“…All of this could depend on how many safeties Los Angeles decides to keep on its roster,” Schmidt wrote. “Derwin James, Elijah Molden, and Alohi Gilman are locks to make the team, and [R.J.] Mickens will probably qualify, as well. If the Bolts only decide to keep four players at the position, Jefferson could be the odd man out.”
When the team brought Jefferson back for another season, it made sense. At 33 years old, he offers valuable experience and a veteran presence in the locker room, which is something every NFL team benefits from, especially one with a plethora of young talent on defense.
However, after drafting Mickens in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, there may not be enough room for Jefferson. The Clemson safety offers youth and upside, which is something the Bolts don’t want to pass up on in favor of an aging veteran.
Cutting Tony Jefferson Would Be Tough—but Not Shocking
GettyTony Jefferson #23 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a fumble recovery.
Despite what the numbers say, letting go of a veteran like Jefferson isn’t an easy call. He’s a respected voice in the locker room and a player who’s carved out more than a decade-long career after going undrafted in 2013.
“Now I’ve got my feet under me,” Jefferson said regarding his chances of making the team compared to last offseason. “I feel like I’m in the flow of everything…I feel renewed, I feel fresh.”
But the reality is that the NFL is a young man’s league, and Jefferson’s diminishing role makes him vulnerable to the reality that he might not have a spot on the team. While he’s still capable of performing at a high level on the field, the Chargers might prefer to prioritize youth and development.
Still, Jefferson shouldn’t be ruled out completely. Training camp and preseason will be his chance to remind the staff why they brought him back in the first place. If he can outperform Mickens or prove his value as a mentor and situational player, there’s still a path to the 53-man roster.
For now, it appears that the Chargers are leaning toward a new era in the secondary, and that might mean saying goodbye to the veteran safety.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Chargers’ “Odd Man Out” Predicted to Be Cut in Favor of Youth appeared first on Heavy Sports.