Los Angeles Chargers sign Tony Jefferson

Tony Jefferson's one-year, $1.5M signing earns a B Contract Value Index (CVI) — a smart, low-risk depth move that reflects genuine positional value without inflating the safety market. At this price point, the Chargers are acquiring a veteran presence for roughly replacement-level salary, which allows them to address secondary depth without cap-structure consequences heading into the regular season in 91 days. Jefferson's experience and leadership carry real roster utility, even if his primary role figures to be situational rather than a three-down anchor—a distinction that makes the $1.5M AAV entirely appropriate. The one-year structure also preserves flexibility; there's no long-term obligation or dead-cap liability if the fit doesn't materialize or injury limits availability. This is the kind of transaction that doesn't make headlines but reflects competent roster management: pay market rate for a known commodity, assume minimal downside, and move forward. With the Chargers sitting at 11-6 and fighting for playoff positioning in the AFC West, adding veteran depth on a short-term deal is a reasonable incremental investment rather than a statement move.