Chargers Roster Shakeup
Los Angeles Chargers Release Veteran Safety Tony Jefferson and Cut Kyle Kennard
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Key Points
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Jefferson logged 57 total tackles (37 solo) and four interceptions in 2025 over 13 games, signaling he remained a reliable back-end presence as a depth option behind Derwin James and Elijah Molden.
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During roster cutdowns, the Chargers released Jefferson to clear 53-man-roster space and immediately signed him to the practice squad, continuing a Baltimore-to-Chargers relationship; his guaranteed contract could influence whether he returns to the practice squad or the active roster.
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Kennard was a high-profile 2025 fourth-round pick (125th overall) who starred in college with 11.5 sacks and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, but he appeared in only 5 games and logged just 80 defensive snaps, often being a healthy scratch.
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Jefferson’s career arc includes a 2023 retirement, a return in 2024 with the Chargers after a Ravens scouting stint, and prior stops with the Cardinals, Ravens, 49ers and Giants, pointing to a veteran football life facing the odds of continuing in 2026.
The Los Angeles Chargers released veteran safety Tony Jefferson during roster cutdowns but immediately signed him to the practice squad, continuing a relationship dating back to his time with Baltimore. Jefferson, 34, recorded 57 tackles and four interceptions over 13 games in 2025 as a depth option behind Dermin James and Elijah Molden, but the team needed 53-man roster space NBC Sports.
In a separate move, the Chargers cut second-year edge rusher Kyle Kennard, a 2025 fourth-round pick who struggled to earn playing time. Kennard appeared in just five games with 80 defensive snaps, often serving as a healthy scratch despite college success at South Carolina Chargers Wire.
Jefferson's Journey From Retirement Back to Practice Squad
Jefferson retired in 2023 but returned in 2024 after a scouting stint with Baltimore. His 2025 campaign showed he still had value. Over 13 games, he made 37 solo tackles and added four interceptions. That reliability made him useful depth behind the Chargers' top two safeties NBC Sports.
His guaranteed contract complicated the roster math but did not prevent the release. The Chargers moved him to the practice squad, signaling plans to keep him involved NBC Sports. This reflects how veteran depth and long-term relationships shape roster decisions Chargers Wire.
Kennard's College Pedigree Failed to Translate to NFL
Kennard entered the 2025 season as a fourth-round pick (125th overall) and a standout from South Carolina. In college, he notched 11.5 sacks and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as a top defensive player Chargers Wire.
His rookie year told a different story. Kennard logged just 80 defensive snaps across five games and was frequently a healthy scratch. Rising undrafted prospects and injuries created a roster crunch, pushing the Chargers to cut him Chargers Wire.
Chargers Balance Veteran Depth With Youth Development
The parallel moves reveal the team's ongoing roster challenge: weighing veteran reliability against unproven talent. Jefferson provided proven stability in a reserve role. Kennard represented future upside that has not yet materialized NBC Sports.
These decisions fit a broader 2025 pattern of defensive turnover. The Chargers are evaluating which pieces fit their 2026 plans. Some cuts clear cap space. Others, like Jefferson, signal the team may still find a path for veterans to remain involved Chargers Wire.
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