Browns, Ravens Reportedly Interested in Safety Tony Jefferson

Two AFC North rivals are reportedly bidding against one another in hopes of landing free-agent safety Tony Jefferson. 

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, the Cleveland Browns have a "legit shot at landing" Jefferson and are "offering him the most money by far," while the Baltimore Ravens are "in" on the chase for the former Arizona Cardinals defensive back. 

If the Browns and Ravens prove to be the two finalists for his services, Jefferson will have to decide whether he would rather sign a more lucrative deal with Cleveland or take a discount to play for a Baltimore team that's more ready to contend now. 

According to OverTheCap.com, the Browns own a league-high $100.3 million in cap space, while the Ravens have just $16.7 million at their disposal. That means Baltimore has to be more financially prudent, while the Browns can afford to overpay to get their guy. 

And based on the numbers that are floating around, Jefferson appears primed to cash in. 

Citing an agent who represents a free-agent safety, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported Jefferson's new deal is expected to average around $7 million annually. 

Jefferson would be a major upgrade at safety for both clubs as they seek to field more physically imposing secondaries in 2017. Not only did the 25-year-old record 92 total tackles, five defended passes and two forced fumbles last season, but he finished with the top overall grade (88.6) among all players in the Cardinals secondary, per Pro Football Focus' Matt Claassen. 

Jefferson also posted a run defense grade of 98.0, which ranked No. 2 among all safeties last season behind Jacksonville's John Cyprien. 

With a nose for the ball and a knack for rolling down and making plays at the line of scrimmage, Jefferson's style of play would be a perfect fit in a division renowned for its smashmouth stylings.