Panthers coach Matt Rhule has turned around two college programs. Both of Rhule’s teams at Temple and Baylor improved dramatically and became conference contenders in just two years. If he’s going to pull off another quick turnaround for a Carolina team that just went 5-11, he’ll need to find versatile athletes who can fill multiple roles, especially on defense.

Yesterday, the Ravens released one such defender, adding an intriguing name to the market of street free agents. Our next potential 2020 free agent target profile is Tony Jefferson.

Career stats:

In seven seasons split between Baltimore and Arizona, Jefferson has totaled four interceptions, 22 pass breakups, 8.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, 345 solo tackles, 33 tackles for a loss, eight forced fumbles and a touchdown.

Pros:

Like Clemson’s star “linebacker” Isaiah Simmons, Jefferson’s best asset is his ability to play several different spots. While he’s generally known as a strong safety, he has extensive experience at free safety and can also play linebacker. Jefferson is known as a reliable locker room leader, which is another quality Rhule is going to need during his rebuild. He just turned 28 years old, but he already has 98 games and 66 starts under his belt.

Cons:

If the front office is planning on replacing Eric Reid, Jefferson is an excellent option. However, if they want to keep Reid around, signing him doesn’t make much sense. Jefferson also only played five games last season due to a serious knee injury. It wasn’t his best five games, either. He had issues covering tight ends and his tackling came under criticism, as well.

Probability: Low

While he’s a strong option when he’s 100% healthy, it’s difficult to say what kind of money Jefferson can command due to the ACL. Then again, there are only a couple of other good safeties on the market this year and this isn’t supposed to be a deep draft class at the position, either. Offering Jefferson a one-year, prove-it kind of deal seems prudent if the Panthers are interested.

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