Chargers release Tony Jefferson

Veteran safety Tony Jefferson came out of retirement to join the Chargers this offseason, surviving Tuesday’s cuts to land on the 53-man roster. His new team will make some changes to the roster, however.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Chargers will release Jefferson on Thursday, but his run with the team is expected to continue on the practice squad.

Jefferson played in the league for 10 years with the Cardinals, Ravens, 49ers and Giants before retiring in 2023. He worked in Baltimore’s scouting department before deciding to return to the field this year.

Veterans who are on the roster in Week 1 are guaranteed their full salaries for the season, which may be why the Chargers are shuffling the deck with Jefferson before they host the Raiders in a week.