The Chargers have released safety Tony Jefferson following the reinstatement of safety Derwin James from suspension. James was granted a roster exemption after serving a one-game suspension for violating the league’s health and safety rules.

Jefferson, a 32-year-old veteran, originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Cardinals, Ravens, 49ers, and Giants. His time with these teams included both active roster and practice squad stints.

Jefferson’s most recent stint with the Chargers began in June 2024. Despite a strong preseason performance, he was initially released during final roster cuts before being brought back to the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for two games this season but did not record any statistics.

James, 28, was the Chargers’ first-round draft pick in 2018. After a promising start to his career, James faced setbacks due to injuries, missing significant time in the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

He returned to form in 2021 and subsequently signed a four-year contract extension with the Chargers. This season, James has already made a significant impact on defense, accumulating 21 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack in three games.