Tony Jefferson Re-Signs with Chargers: Oklahoma Sooners Alum Continues NFL Career

The veteran safety will remain with the Los Angeles team for the 2026 season.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:13am by Ben Kaplan

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Los Angeles Chargers safety Tony Jefferson has agreed to terms to continue his NFL career with the team for the 2026 season. Jefferson, an undrafted free agent who played college football at Oklahoma, has appeared in 23 games for the Chargers over the past two seasons, making 14 starts and recording 84 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups.

Why it matters

Jefferson's re-signing provides the Chargers with an experienced defensive back who has demonstrated the ability to contribute in both run support and pass coverage, offering valuable experience to the team's secondary as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

Since joining the Chargers in 2024 after coming out of retirement, Jefferson has recorded 84 tackles, 54 of them solo, along with 4 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, and 2 tackles for loss. Notably, all 4 of his interceptions came last season. Prior to his time in Los Angeles, Jefferson played for several other NFL teams over a 12-year career, accumulating 549 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 36 tackles for loss, 8 interceptions, 31 passes defensed, 8 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.

  • Jefferson initially joined the Chargers in 2024 after coming out of retirement.
  • Jefferson agreed to terms for the 2026 season earlier this week.

The players

Tony Jefferson

A veteran safety who has played in the NFL for 12 seasons, including the last two with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Oklahoma Sooners

The college football team that Jefferson played for from 2010 to 2012, where he was named the Big 12 co-Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2010.

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What’s next

As Jefferson embarks on another season with the Chargers, it remains to be seen how his role will evolve within the team's defensive scheme.

The takeaway

This re-signing highlights the Chargers' commitment to maintaining continuity in their secondary and the value they place on Jefferson's experience and versatility as they look to build on their recent success.