Tag: Tony Jefferson II

Ravens S Tony Jefferson II reacts on Twitter to reported release

Ravens safety Tony Jefferson reacted on Twitter to his reported release

The Baltimore Ravens have to get their roster down to 53 players by Tuesday, August 30th at 4pm EST. The team has multiple tough decisions to make, and have seemingly made one of them in the reported release of one of their most respected veterans.

On Monday, it was reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN that Baltimore was planning to release safety Tony Jefferson II. After the news was made public, Jefferson took to Twitter and reacted with a gif, followed by a tribute post with a photo attached of him during his time with the team.

It’s been speculated that Jefferson could return to the team after the final roster is finalized in a handshake deal situation, but his posts seem to cloud that possibility. It’s not completely out of the question that Jefferson is back in purple and black soon, but it remains to be seen what is to be done with the rest of the roster.

Ravens reportedly planning to release S Tony Jefferson II

The Ravens are reportedly planning to waive safety Tony Jefferson II

The Baltimore Ravens rely on their veteran players to play sound football while also mentoring the young players on the roster. Baltimore has established a core of experienced contributors that can give the team quality snaps, but there might not be room for all of them when rosters have to be finalized by Tuesday, August 30th at 4pm EST.

On Monday, it was reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN that the Ravens are planning to release safety Tony Jefferson II. The veteran had a strong end to the 2021 season after Baltimore brought him back for a second stint in the middle of the year, earning himself another contract with the team.

Despite the reported plan, it seems likely that Jefferson could return to the team just one day after final roster cuts are announced. Since Jefferson is a vested veteran, he isn’t subject to waivers, and once players move over to injured reserve following cut down day, there will be open spots available on the team, one of which could be occupied by Jefferson.

Ravens pass game coordinator and secondary coach Chris Hewitt discusses what he’s seen from S Tony Jefferson II

Ravens pass game coordinator and secondary coach Chris Hewitt talked about what he’s seen from safety Tony Jefferson II

The Baltimore Ravens have made many moves in their secondary in order ensure that the group has plenty of depth and many different contributors that can make an impact when called upon at both cornerback and safety. One of those players is safety Tony Jefferson II, who had a strong end to the 2021 season after being brought back by the team in the middle of the year.

Baltimore’s pass game coordinator and secondary coach Chris Hewitt spoke to the media after one of the Ravens’ mandatory minicamp practices, and was asked about what he’s seen from the veteran safety. Hewitt said that Jefferson hasn’t missed a step, and he’s happy that the former Oklahoma star is back in Baltimore.

“Tony [Jefferson II] hasn’t missed a step. Once he got back here and he was coming off the ACL [injury], he has no lingering effects from it. He looks like the Tony Jefferson that we signed whatever amount of years ago … What was that, 2017, or whatever it was? He’s still young and spry. I don’t believe – he might have just turned 30, I think. But, Tony brings a lot of energy and just like what you talk about, a lot of experience. He’s a leader, and he brings all the other guys together. [He] talks to anybody on the team, including the kicker. _(laughter)So, I’m really happy with Tony being here and we’ll see what happens going forward. But, I love having Tony around.”

Jefferson played in four games with the Ravens in 2021, but impressed in a big way. He finished with 17 tackles and one sack while also providing great run support and being solid in coverage. He also spent 2017-2019 with the team after signing a four-year contract during the 2017 offseason.

The veteran will be relied upon to be quality depth at the safety position, as well as one of the leaders on the team. He was able to earn himself another deal in Baltimore with his play in 2021, and hopefully he can build upon that during this upcoming year.

Ravens players seem to like the idea of ILB Bobby Wagner in Baltimore with Ravens

Ravens players seem to like the idea of Bobby Wagner in Baltimore with the team

The Baltimore Ravens have plenty of needs to fill in 2022 free agency. One of those is at inside linebacker, where although they have young players such as Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison, there isn’t much behind them at the moment as Josh Bynes, L.J. Fort and Chris Board are slated to be free agents.

On Saturday, Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey took to Twitter to express his thoughts on the idea of Wagner coming to the Ravens to team up with Queen and the rest of the Baltimore defensive unit. Safety Tony Jefferson II then responded to Humphrey with a simple GIF. They seem excited about the possibility of it, sharing the same mindset as many others.

Jefferson made it clear in another tweet that he didn’t know anything, but acknowledged that the idea “sounds fire“. Humphrey has long been known as one of the team’s top player recruiters on Twitter, using the phrase “Come to the Ravens” to try to convince players from other teams to join him in Baltimore. It’s currently unclear where Wagner will sign, but it seems as if Ravens players would welcome playing with him in Baltimore.