The Arizona Cardinals likely do not have the safety position as a priority this offseason but they could add a veteran to the mix. A familiar face has hit the open market as the Baltimore Ravens released safety Tony Jefferson, who played his first four seasons in the NFL with the Cardinals from 2013-2016.
Jefferson is coming off a season in which he only played five games before tearing his ACL. The move saved Baltimore $7 million against the salary cap.
The Cardinals could seek a reunion with him, as he was a very popular player in his time in Arizona.
The tricky part would be his knee injury and the role he might play.
Jefferson is best playing close to the line of scrimmage, where Budda Baker also is at his best. Jefferson certainly wouldn’t replace Baker in the lineup.
At 28 years old, he might still be seeking a starting role and a decent contract. Would the Cardinals want to commit much to him?
The Cardinals were very pleased with the play of Jalen Thompson down the stretch. They don’t necessarily need anyone to replace him in the starting lineup.
Any likely safety the Cardinals add in the offseason likely would be someone for depth who could compete for a starting job.
In any case, a reunion with Jefferson would be fun for fans, it might or might not make sense for football reasons.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 257
Ep. 256
