Another chapter of hard work in the NFL—getting signed again! In the last preseason game of 2024, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh took a close look at his safety, Tony Jefferson. With 14 tackles, two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble, and more, the athlete put on a show against the Cowboys. That performance earned him praise from the head coach, who admitted after the game that it was a “sensational game.”

“I’ve always had great respect for him, admiration for him and he played for my brother [in Baltimore]…it was great to see him do so well tonight.” Jim Harbaugh was pretty sure to move forward with veteran Tony Jefferson for the rest of the season. Now after his 27 tackles in the regular season, the safety is back with the Chargers once again. But this time, the Bills’ legend has a request for him.

On Monday, former NFL wide receiver Andre Reed shared a story on his official Instagram account. This new update featured a graphic of none other than Tony Jefferson, with an overlaying text – “Agreed to terms.” Originally shared by the Chargers, Reed made sure to congratulate the safety on this big news.

In the caption, Reed wrote, “San Diego guyyy @tonyjefferson 1 congrats … shoot for 17 years my guy lol.” The former Buffalo Bills player, who himself retired after 16 seasons, demanded Jefferson to play for 17 years in the NFL. At present, the safety has completed his nine seasons in the league, playing in 121 games till now.

Jim Harbaugh’s player is currently 33 years old, which means by the time he completes his 17 years in the league, he will be around 41. So, that’s definitely not an impossible demand from Reed for the San Diego man! But the question is: will he? Especially when the player has tried to retire earlier?

Tony Jefferson announced his retirement from the league in May 2023. He then joined the Ravens as a scouting intern, hoping to work his way into a front-office role. He even said he would love to be a GM someday, expressing the requirement of hard work for the role. But just a year after stepping away, Jefferson made a comeback with Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, proving he still had plenty left in the tank. Now that he is set to sign with the franchise for a one-year deal, many like Andre Reed are hoping he will play even further.

Nevertheless, for now, Jefferson’s return is likely more of a depth piece, who can still play a crucial role in Jim Harbaugh’s defense. So, on one hand, the franchise is re-signing their player, on the other hand, they might be trading their starter who is referred to as their biggest trade asset.

Jim Harbaugh and his team are taking the risk?

Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are in a much better spot this offseason. No more scrambling to clear cap space. Now, they can actually add talent and, if the right deal comes along, maybe even pull off a big trade. So, who is on the radar this time if the trade comes in? One name floating around is Zion Johnson.

Pro Football Focus called him the team’s “biggest trade asset.” Why? It’s simply because he hasn’t played well enough to earn that fully guaranteed salary in 2026. In addition, the Chargers made some great moves in free agency. Jim Harbaugh and the team brought in Mekhi Becton and Andre James while keeping Bradley Bozeman and Trey Pipkins. That suddenly gives them more depth than expected.

And with Johnson’s fifth-year option likely getting declined, his future with the team feels uncertain. But here’s the thing – offensive line depth is everything. Injuries can wreck a season, and Jim Harbaugh knows that better than anyone. Trading Johnson might sound logical at this time, but is it worth the risk? That’s debatable!