The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed safety Kahlef Hailassie, the team announced Wednesday.
Hailassie was a member of the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. He was signed after the team surprisingly released safety Darnell Savage.
Hailassiewas signed as an undrafted free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2023 NFL Draft. He was subsequently waived during final roster cuts that year before being claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns. He spent most of the 2024 season on Cleveland’s practice squad.
Hailassie signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings in January and was placed on the team’s practice squad after final cuts.
In his career, Hailassie has played in 10 games, starting one with the Browns. He’s totaled eight tackles (seven solos), one pass breakup and one tackle for loss.
Hailassie played collegiately at Western Kentucky University for two seasons after playing time with Independence Community College (2019-20) and the University of Oregon (2018), earning All-Conference USA honors at Western Kentucky.
As a Hilltopper, Hailassie totaled 122 tackles (11 for loss), 19 pass breakups, four interceptions, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 26 games.
The Jaguars have four other safeties on the roster, including primary starters Eric Murray and Andrew Wingard and backups/special teamers Antonio Johnson, Rayaun Lane III.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars sign safety Kahlef Hailassie off Minnesota Vikings practice squad
Reporting by Demetrius Harvey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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