Arizona Cardinals sign Jefferson, Brown and Swearinger to contracts
Apr 18, 2016, 9:04 AM | Updated: 12:50 pm
Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) celebrates a defensive stop against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
At long last, it’s official.
The Arizona Cardinals signed safety Tony Jefferson to a one-year qualifying offer for the 2016 season. As a restricted free agent, Jefferson was extended the lowest possible tender offer ($1.67 million for 2016) back in early March. Other teams could have made an offer to Jefferson, but the Cardinals would not have received any compensation if they chose not to match the offer.
Jefferson was productive in 2015 for the NFC West champions, registering 78 total tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. He had an interception return for a touchdown — the first of his career — in a Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
The Cardinals also signed wide receiver Jaron Brown and safety D.J. Swearinger to one-year qualifying contracts.
Brown just completed his third year with Arizona. In 2015, he caught 11 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown and was a special teams standout.
Swearinger was picked up by the Cardinals after he was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in November. He was promoted from the practice squad in early December and played in the final four regular season games, registering seven total tackles and a forced fumble.
Like Jefferson, Brown and Swearinger were both extended low tender offers in March.
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