The Los Angeles Chargers are hoping their 2026 NFL Draft class will be the final touch on a roster that is ready to make a deep postseason run.
Several of their picks should contribute right off the bat as rookies, and even challenge for starting roles. Every new draft class provides competition for veteran players. If they don’t stay sharp, their jobs could be taken by the young guys.
Los Angeles Chargers S Tony Jefferson potentially ‘on the Hot Seat’ in 2026
ESPN analyst Ben Solak made a list of veterans whose current role with their team could be in jeopardy due to the incoming rookies. Here’s what he had to say about Jefferson, who is entering his 12th NFL season:
“I hate to do it to Jefferson, everyone’s favorite veteran at the heart of the Chargers’ defense. He stepped up tremendously in 2024 (when injuries hit the safeties room) and 2025 (when the midseason trade of Alohi Gilman left a big void). But he actually retired in 2023 before returning! He’s 34 years old and returned on a one-year, $2 million deal. That isn’t starter money. Jefferson was fending off only RJ Mickens last year.”
Solak went on to say that age and money isn’t the only reason why Jefferson’s starting job could be on the line in 2026.
“But in the fourth round of the 2026 draft, the Chargers added Arizona’s Genesis Smith, a deep safety with speed for days. Smith simply covers far more ground than Jefferson does at this stage. While Mickens played well for a sixth-round rookie last season, Smith has superior range and ball tracking. If Smith gets the playbook under his belt quickly, it’s hard to see either incumbent safety keeping him off the inside track for day one starts in the deep middle.”
Jefferson may have guys who are younger and more athletic breathing down his neck, but his experience and success in the NFL isn’t easily replaceable. Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2013, Jefferson has recorded 576 total tackles, eight interceptions, 31 passes defensed, 9.5 sacks, and eight forced fumbles.
Examining the Chargers’ Safety Corps
GettyChargers S Tony Jefferson
Even if Jefferson does lose his starting role, he will still be a valuable member of the safety rotation. When discussing the position, it obviously starts with All-Pro Derwin James. He should turn in another stellar season in 2026, but is entering the final year of his deal, and will turn 30 years old in August.
The Chargers will have to decide if they want to commit another huge contract to James, especially considering his lengthy injury history. Elijah Molden also has some injury concerns dating back to his days with the Tennessee Titans. He had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee earlier this offseason.
Molden is productive when healthy, which led Los Angeles to give him a three-year, $18.75 million contract extension last offseason. He has 200 total tackles, five interceptions, and 12 passes defensed over his past three seasons. RJ Mickens and Kendall Williamson are also in the mix, but have very limited NFL experience.
As Solak alluded to, everybody is excited about fourth-round pick Genesis Smith. He should make an impact on both defense and special teams as a rookie. Smith is highly athletic and has the potential to be a turnover machine. In three years at Arizona, Smith posted 164 total tackles, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, and 14 passes defensed.
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