“I’m Still a Raven” – Tony Jefferson

Tony Jefferson is the sole surviving member of the NFL-best Baltimore Ravens defense from last season.

Despite their defense finishing ranked No.1 in the league, free agency has seen a huge shakeup in Baltimore.

First, safety Eric Weddle was cut. Then Ravens stalwart Terrell Suggs signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith signed with the Packers and Inside linebacker C.J Mosley went to the Jets.

In total, 17 Pro Bowl Appearances and 11 All-Pro nominations have now departed the Baltimore Ravens.

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The changes have left veteran strong safety Tony Jefferson reeling somewhat. Although he knew some ins and outs were inevitable, he didn’t expect to say goodbye to the defense’s core.

“It was tough to see those guys leave because when I first got there, they were there, and they had already established what it meant to be a Raven,” Jefferson said on Monday.

“I learned from them, watched them and just to see them leaving, it hurts. I knew maybe one or two guys I was thinking weren’t going to be back. But not all of them. I didn’t think all of them would be gone.

“It was really kind of breathtaking to kind of understand that everybody’s gone. You were just the No. 1 defense and then you see talent like that leave, guys who were detrimental in getting us to that point. But there’s nothing you could really do at that moment. Those types of moves are made by people who are above your pay grade, that’s just their job. I’m more than happy that I’m still a Raven at that point.”

Read: Clay Matthews Signs Two-Year Deal with Rams

In return, Tony Jefferson now has ex – Seattle Seahawks star Earl thomas to play with.

“I know exactly what he brings to the table,” Jefferson said.

“He was always in the scouting report for the teams. We always had to know where 29 was, and I was on defense and I knew that. That was the game plan, watch 29, so I’m excited to be playing next to him and learning from him as well.