Quinton Jefferson is an American professional football defensive tackle who was born on March 31, 1993, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Maryland. Jefferson has had multiple stints with several teams in the NFL, including the Seahawks, Rams, Bills, Raiders, Jets, Browns, and Lions, showcasing his versatility and skill as a defensive player. As of 2025, he is a member of the Detroit Lions.
Quinton Jefferson Bio
Quinton Jefferson is a veteran NFL defensive tackle currently playing for the Detroit Lions in his tenth professional season. Known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Jefferson has established himself as a reliable presence on the defensive line throughout his career. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2016 and has since played for nine different NFL franchises. His career has been marked by resilience and adaptability, moving between teams while maintaining consistent production as both a run defender and pass rusher. Jefferson brings valuable experience to any defensive line rotation and has been a starter for most of his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Quinton Jefferson was born to Larry Jefferson and Bahiyyah Jefferson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he grew up in a supportive family environment. He attended Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, where he excelled in multiple sports. Jefferson was a standout football player in high school, developing the skills and work ethic that would later carry him to the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Football
Jefferson’s talent on the football field earned him recognition as a high school prospect, leading him to the University of Maryland. He verbally committed to Maryland on January 24, 2011, and officially signed with the Terrapins on February 2, 2011. His development at the college level prepared him for the challenges of professional football. Jefferson played all four years with the Terrapins from 2011 to 2015, appearing in 37 games over that span and becoming a consistent contributor on the defensive line.
Quinton Jefferson Career
College Career (2011-2015)
During his time at Maryland, Jefferson developed into a impactful defensive player for the Terrapins. His standout season came in 2015, when he recorded 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and stop the run. Jefferson also contributed with one interception, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery during his final college season. His four-year tenure at Maryland built the foundation for his professional career.
Seattle Seahawks (First Stint, 2016)
Jefferson was selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 147th overall selection by the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks traded their seventh-round picks and a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to move up and secure Jefferson. He signed his rookie contract on May 6, 2016, and quickly worked his way onto the active roster. However, his rookie season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on October 25, 2016, after suffering a knee injury. Jefferson appeared in three games as a rookie.
Los Angeles Rams (2017)
Jefferson was waived by the Seahawks on September 2, 2017, and was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams the following day. He was inactive for the Rams’ Week 1 game before being waived on September 12, 2017. Jefferson was signed to the Rams’ practice squad, where he remained until October 2017.
Seattle Seahawks (Second Stint, 2017-2019)
On October 2, 2017, Jefferson was signed by the Seahawks off the Rams’ practice squad, beginning his second stint with the organization. In Week 14 of the 2017 season, Jefferson was ejected from a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being involved in a scuffle. As he left the field, fans threw drinks at him, and Jefferson attempted to climb into the stands before being restrained by team officials. He appeared in six games with one sack during the 2017 season.
In the 2018 season, Jefferson recorded three sacks, 25 total tackles, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery across 16 games with 12 starts. He continued his development as a reliable interior defender. In Week 1 of the 2019 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, Jefferson recorded six tackles and sacked Andy Dalton twice in the 21-20 victory. He finished the 2019 season with 3.5 sacks, 26 tackles, three passes defended, and one fumble recovery in 14 games with 12 starts. Jefferson added two sacks in the Seahawks’ Wild Card Round victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Buffalo Bills (First Stint, 2020-2021)
On March 26, 2020, Jefferson signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, joining a team with Super Bowl aspirations. In Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he recorded his first career forced fumble with a strip sack on Derek Carr, which he recovered himself during the 30-23 win. In the 2020 season, Jefferson appeared in all 16 games with four starts, recording three sacks, 23 tackles, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He was released by the Bills after the season on March 10, 2021.
Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
Jefferson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year deal on March 17, 2021. He started all 17 games in the 2021 season, finishing with 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles, one pass defended, and two forced fumbles. Jefferson also recorded a sack in the Raiders’ Wild Card Round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure playoff situations.
Seattle Seahawks (Third Stint, 2022)
Jefferson signed with the Seahawks for a third time on March 21, 2022. He played in 17 games with three starts, recording 29 tackles, two passes defensed, and a career-high 5.5 sacks. His Pro Football Focus grades and pass-rush productivity showed improvement during this stint. Jefferson was released by the Seahawks on March 14, 2023.
New York Jets (2023)
On April 7, 2023, Jefferson signed with the New York Jets. He was named a starting defensive tackle and started 14 games, recording 34 tackles and a career-high six sacks. This season represented one of the most productive of his career, as he established himself as a consistent interior pass rusher. Jefferson was released by the Jets on March 14, 2024.
Cleveland Browns (2024)
On March 19, 2024, Jefferson signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. He was released from the team on November 5, 2024.
Buffalo Bills (Second Stint, 2024)
On November 6, 2024, Jefferson was signed by the Buffalo Bills for a second time, rejoining the organization he played for in 2020.
Detroit Lions (2025)
On September 24, 2025, Jefferson signed with the Detroit Lions practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on October 11, 2025. Jefferson was released by the Lions on November 25, 2025.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Jefferson plays the defensive tackle position at 6 feet 4 inches and 291 pounds, giving him the size to anchor against the run while also possessing the quickness to pressure the quarterback. His strength lies in his ability to penetrate gaps and disrupt backfield operations. Jefferson’s hands and upper-body strength allow him to shed blocks and make plays in the backfield. His versatility to play multiple techniques along the defensive line has helped him remain effective throughout his career despite frequent team changes.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments in Jefferson’s career came during his second stint with the Seahawks in 2017 when he was ejected from a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and became involved in an altercation with fans. His career-high 6.0 sacks with the Jets in 2023 demonstrated his continued effectiveness as a pass rusher entering his late twenties. Jefferson’s two-sack performance in the 2019 Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion in playoff football.
Quinton Jefferson Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning eight seasons through 2025, Jefferson has played for nine different teams and appeared in 130 games with 44 starts. His career totals reflect a consistent contributor on the defensive line with playmaking ability. Jefferson’s most productive seasons came with the Jets in 2023 and his second Seattle tenure from 2018-2019, when he combined for 6.5 sacks and was a key part of a playoff defense.
NFL Career Highlights
Jefferson’s career statistics as of 2025 include 206 total tackles, 28.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and nine pass deflections. His 28.5 career sacks represent solid production for an interior defensive lineman. Jefferson’s four forced fumbles demonstrate his ability to create turnovers at critical moments. His best statistical season came in 2023 with the Jets, when he recorded a career-high six sacks while serving as a full-time starter.
Season-by-Season Overview
Jefferson has shown consistency throughout his career, appearing in 16 or 17 games in most seasons. His 5.5-sack performance in 2022 with the Seahawks marked a return to form after limited opportunities in previous years. The 2023 season with the Jets represented his career peak, as he earned a starting role and delivered his highest sack total. Jefferson has been a reliable presence against both the run and pass, making him a valuable depth piece for any defensive line rotation.
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Seattle Seahawks | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | Seattle Seahawks/Rams | 6 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| 2018 | Seattle Seahawks | 16 | 12 | 25 | 3 |
| 2019 | Seattle Seahawks | 14 | 12 | 26 | 3.5 |
| 2020 | Buffalo Bills | 16 | 4 | 23 | 3 |
| 2021 | Las Vegas Raiders | 17 | 17 | 47 | 4.5 |
| 2022 | Seattle Seahawks | 17 | 3 | 29 | 5.5 |
| 2023 | New York Jets | 14 | 14 | 34 | 6 |
| 2024 | Cleveland Browns/Buffalo Bills | 12 | 4 | 13 | 1.5 |
Quinton Jefferson Personal Life
Family Background
Jefferson grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, under the guidance of his parents Larry Jefferson and Bahiyyah Jefferson. His family provided support throughout his journey from high school football to the NFL. Jefferson attended Woodland Hills High School in the Pittsburgh area, where he balanced football with basketball, showing athletic versatility from an early age.
Education and Family
Jefferson graduated from the University of Maryland in December 2015, earning a degree in family science. His commitment to education alongside athletics demonstrated the discipline that has characterized his professional career. Jefferson is married to Nadia Jefferson. He resides in the Pittsburgh area, maintaining connections to his hometown community throughout his NFL career.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season marks Jefferson’s tenth year in the NFL and his second stint with the Detroit Lions organization. After joining the Lions practice squad in September and being promoted to the active roster in October, Jefferson provided experienced depth along the defensive line. His ability to contribute both against the run and as an interior pass rusher made him a valuable rotation piece. The Lions, known for their strong defensive identity, benefited from Jefferson’s veteran presence and versatility. Despite being released in November, Jefferson’s career trajectory demonstrates the value teams place on experienced defensive linemen who can adapt to multiple schemes. His journey through nine NFL teams reflects both the competitive nature of professional football and his resilience as a player. Jefferson remains a viable option for teams seeking experienced defensive line depth heading into future seasons.