Seahawks sign A.J. Jefferson, give him much-needed fresh start

Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback A.J. Jefferson (24) smiles against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Vikings won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks reached agreements with linebacker O’Brien Schofield and corner back A.J. Jefferson on Friday, but the latter is the more intriguing pick up.

Jefferson, who was arrested for domestic assault in November, will be getting a fresh start in Seattle with a chance to compete to be a member of the best secondary in the NFL.

The Seahawks must have a lot of confidence in the 26-year-old corner from Fresno State.

Jefferson has already been bounced all around the league — the Seahawks will be his third team in five years.

He started his career in Arizona with the Cardinals and had his best year in 2011, where he recorded 66 tackles and had an interception while playing in all 16 games.

Following a good year, he was traded to the Vikings in 2012 and had 37 tackles and a fumble recovery.

Last season, however, was a tough one for Jefferson both on the field and off of it.

He only made five tackles in 10 games and in November, he was arrested by the Eden Prairie police department on a domestic assault charge. Hours later, the Vikings cut the then-25-year-old.

Fast-forward about five months to the present day.

The Seahawks met with and worked out Jefferson last week and were impressed by what they saw.

Jefferson will be competitive as a backup corner and also has experience returning punts, a currently vacant spot since Golden Tate signed with the Detroit Lions.

Listed at 6-feet even and 190 pounds, Jefferson has a similar frame as fellow corner Jeremy Lane.

Whether or not Jefferson will make the club remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure. He needs a fresh start to produce to his potential and Seattle is probably the best place to make that happen.