6 Free agent safeties Cleveland Browns should consider
3. Tony Jefferson, returning from ACL surgery
Tony Jefferson has been out of football since October 6, 2019, when he tore his ACL. His situation is made more complicated by the fact that this season he managed to also come down with a nasty case of Covid-19. He started seven seasons for the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens, and at age 28 is young enough to bounce back. In his prime, he was an above-average safety, and the Ravens paid him $8 million in 2019.
He is probably getting close to being able to play again. Within the past month, he visited Arizona and the Colts, but still no contract. He can probably realistically demand a two-year deal by impressing during a workout to show that the ACL surgery went well, but probably not at the level he received in 2019.
Guessing is that he would accept a very cap-friendly 2020 deal but would need significant guaranteed money for 2021 as well. It is not crazy. He’s a professional, highly competent starter and if the knee is sound, it is all good.
The free agent visit with the #Colts for safety Tony Jefferson has ended without him signing, but a smart move by GM Chris Ballard to get to the front of the line for whenever Jefferson is ready, health-wise. And that time is coming.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2020
A multiyear deal is not out of the question Both ACL and Covid-19 can have complete recovery.