Quinton Jefferson Bio
Quinton Jefferson is an American professional football defensive tackle who plays in the National Football League. Born on March 31, 1993, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he has built a long career as an interior defensive lineman since being 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 spent time with several NFL franchises, demonstrating durability and the ability to contribute on multiple defensive lines. As of the 2025 season, he is a member of the Detroit Lions organization.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 291 pounds, Jefferson uses his size and strength to disrupt opposing offenses. Over the course of his career, he has been associated with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions, with several returns to former teams. His journeyman path reflects the demand for experienced defensive tackles who can rotate into passing and run-down situations.
Early Life and Background
Quinton Jefferson was born to Larry and Bahiyyah Jefferson and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a household that supported athletics, which helped shape his interest in competitive sports from a young age. Pittsburgh’s strong football culture provided an environment in which Jefferson could develop his passion for the game.
Jefferson attended Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he played both football and basketball. The multisport background contributed to his coordination, physical conditioning, and competitive mindset. His high school performance attracted college recruiters, and he was rated as a promising defensive line prospect coming out of the Pittsburgh area.
Path to American Football
Jefferson verbally committed to the University of Maryland on January 24, 2011, and signed his national letter of intent on February 2. He joined the Maryland Terrapins program and spent his full college career developing as a defensive lineman under the team’s coaching staff. Jefferson played all four years at Maryland, appearing in 37 games across his college career.
During the 2015 season, Jefferson enjoyed a strong senior campaign, recording 12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one interception, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He graduated from the University of Maryland in December 2015 with a degree in family science. His consistent production and athletic profile helped position him as a draft-eligible prospect following his senior season, and he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 147th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Quinton Jefferson Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Jefferson signed his rookie contract with the Seattle Seahawks on May 6, 2016. As a rookie, he appeared in three games before a knee injury sent him to injured reserve on October 25. After rehabbing, Jefferson was waived by the Seahawks on September 2, 2017, and was quickly claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams on September 3, 2017. He was inactive for the Rams’ Week 1 game before being waived and re-signed to the team’s practice squad on September 12, 2017.
On October 2, 2017, Jefferson was signed by the Seattle Seahawks off the Rams’ practice squad, marking the start of his second stint with the team. In Week 14 of the 2017 season, he was ejected during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after a confrontation with opposing players. Across the 2017 season, Jefferson appeared in six games and recorded one sack.
Seattle Seahawks Breakthrough (2018–2019)
Jefferson earned a larger role during the 2018 season, playing in all 16 games and making 12 starts. He finished the year with three sacks, 25 total tackles (15 solo), two passes defended, and one fumble recovery, establishing himself as a reliable contributor along the Seahawks’ defensive front.
In the 2019 season, Jefferson appeared in 14 games and started 12, finishing with 3.5 sacks, 26 total tackles (14 solo), three passes defended, and one fumble recovery. In Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded six tackles and two sacks of quarterback Andy Dalton in a 21–20 win. Jefferson added two more sacks in the Seahawks’ Wild Card Round victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, capping his second Seahawks tenure on a high note.
Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders Era (2020–2021)
On March 26, 2020, Jefferson signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. In Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he recorded his first career forced fumble, a strip sack on Derek Carr which he recovered himself, during a 30–23 win. Jefferson was released by the Bills after the 2020 season on March 10, 2021.
Jefferson signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 17, 2021. He started all 17 games during the 2021 season and finished with 4.5 sacks, 47 total tackles (17 solo), one pass defended, and two forced fumbles. He added a sack in the Raiders’ Wild Card Round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, concluding his only season in silver and black.
Seattle Seahawks Return and New York Jets (2022–2023)
Jefferson returned to the Seattle Seahawks on March 21, 2022, beginning his third stint with the team. He played in 17 games with three starts, recording 29 tackles, two passes defended, and a career-high 5.5 sacks. He was released by the Seahawks on March 14, 2023, ending his third run in Seattle.
On April 7, 2023, Jefferson signed with the New York Jets. He was named a starting defensive tackle and started 14 games, finishing the season with 34 tackles and a career-high six sacks. His production helped stabilize the Jets’ interior defensive line during the 2023 campaign.
Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills Return (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. Shortly after his release, he signed with the Buffalo Bills on November 6, 2024, returning to a familiar franchise for the second half of the 2024 season.
Detroit Lions Era (2025)
On September 24, 2025, Jefferson signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on October 11, 2025, before being released by the Lions on November 25, 2025. His time in Detroit added another chapter to a career defined by frequent team transitions.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jefferson is recognized for his length, power, and ability to disrupt both the run game and the passing game from the interior. He is a capable pass rusher who can collapse the pocket with bull rushes and leverage his 6-foot-4 frame against opposing guards and centers. His experience across multiple schemes has made him a flexible rotational piece.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Jefferson’s career came in Week 14 of 2017 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he was ejected for a scuffle with opposing players. In the 2019 Wild Card Round, he recorded two sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles to help the Seahawks advance. His career-high 6.5 sacks with the New York Jets in 2023 stood as his most productive single-season pass-rushing output.
Quinton Jefferson Career Highlights
Across his NFL career, Jefferson has accumulated multiple sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles while appearing in games for seven different franchises. His most productive statistical seasons came with the New York Jets in 2023 and the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, when he posted 6.0 and 5.5 sacks respectively. He has also contributed in the postseason, recording sacks in both the 2019 Wild Card Round and the 2021 Wild Card Round.
Defensive Tackle Highlights
Jefferson’s defensive tackle profile includes 6.5 sacks in 2023 with the Jets, 5.5 sacks in 2022 with the Seahawks, and 4.5 sacks in 2021 with the Raiders. He has registered double-digit quarterback pressures in multiple seasons and has produced consistent tackle totals as a rotational starter.
Other Performances
Beyond his pass-rushing numbers, Jefferson has been a reliable run defender and has recorded forced fumbles and fumble recoveries in several seasons, including his strip sack of Derek Carr in 2020. His ability to play in base and sub-package defenses has kept him in demand across the league.
Quinton Jefferson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Jefferson was raised by his parents, Larry Jefferson and Bahiyyah Jefferson, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their support played an important role in his development as a young athlete, and Pittsburgh’s football heritage helped shape his path to the sport. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in family science, reflecting his interest in family-oriented values.
Spouse and Children
Jefferson is married to Nadia Jefferson. The couple has four children. Their oldest three children are daughters, with the youngest two girls being twins, and the youngest child is a boy. Jefferson has spoken about the importance of family throughout his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Jefferson as a free agent before he signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on September 24, 2025. He was promoted to the active roster on October 11, 2025, providing the Lions with additional depth along the defensive line. His release on November 25, 2025, marked another transition in a career defined by roster movement.
Throughout 2025, Jefferson continued to serve as a veteran presence capable of contributing on early downs and in pass-rush situations. His familiarity with multiple defensive schemes made him a valuable short-term option for teams seeking interior line help during the season.
Looking ahead, Jefferson’s professional outlook depends on opportunities as teams evaluate their rosters. His track record of stepping into starting or rotational roles suggests he remains a viable option for clubs in need of experienced defensive tackle depth for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond.