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The Oakland Raiders have reportedly been interested in a number of safeties this offseason. They have been connected to Cardinals free agent safety Rashad Johnson and also Tony Jefferson. But it appears they will focus on the draft.
According to SiriusXM NFL Radio's Eddie Borsilli, Oakland has decided not to make Jefferson an offer after showing interest.
Jefferson is a restricted free agent and the Cardinals gave him an original round tender. They have the right to match any offer given him. Since he was originally undrafted, the Cardinals would get no compensation should they decide not to match an offer sheet.
Jefferson has played three seasons with the Cardinals. He started seven games in 2015. He had two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), two sacks, three forced fumbles and 75 tackles.
He is not thrilled he was given a low restricted free agent tender. He believes he is a starter in the NFL and not simply a depth guy or a third safety like he has been thus far in his career.
If he gets no offers from anyone, he will return to the Cardinals and play on a one-year deal that will pay him roughly $1.67 million and then he will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.