Veteran safety Jordan Whitehead is looking to make his way back onto an NFL roster, and the former Bucs standout at safety is already taking steps toward a return from a serious neck injury.

According to reports from Mike Garafolo from the NFL Network, Whitehead recently got full clearance to resume football activities from his surgeon. He also participated in tryouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans as he works to continue his professional career. While no deal has been finalized, the interest signals that the hard-hitting defensive back is firmly on the radar for a potential comeback opportunity.

Jordan Whitehead’s History With Bucs In The NFL

Jordan Whitehead, who originally entered the league as a fourth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018, quickly developed into a key contributor in Tampa Bay’s secondary. Known for his physicality, instincts and willingness to play near the line of scrimmage, he became a tone-setter on defense.

Bucs SS Jordan Whitehead and RB Aaron Jones – Photo by: USA Today

His most notable moments with the Buccaneers came during the team’s Super Bowl run in the 2020 season, when he played a pivotal role in helping Tampa Bay secure a victory in Super Bowl LV. Whitehead’s ability to deliver big hits and hold up in coverage made him an important piece of that championship defense.

Following his time in Tampa Bay, Whitehead went on to play for the New York Jets, where he continued to showcase his aggressive style of play. It was highlighted in the first game of his second season with New York as he recorded three interceptions against Bills quarterback Josh Allen in a home-opening win. Throughout his career, he has been valued for his toughness, experience and versatility in multiple defensive schemes.

Bucs S Jordan Whitehead – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Whitehead came back to the Buccaneers for the 2024 season, but couldn’t exactly recapture the same success he had in his first stint. He played in 12 games that season, recording 79 tackles with two tackles for loss but didn’t record any sacks, interceptions or forced fumbles.

Unfortunately near the end of the season, Whitehead was involved in a car accident that resulted in a serious neck injury that forced him to sit out for the rest of the season. While thankfully he was able to recover in his every day life, Whitehead had no guaranteed money the following year and Tampa Bay released him prior to the start of the 2025 season.

Now, as he looks to latch on with a new team, Whitehead brings a resumé that includes starting experience, playoff success, a Super Bowl ring and a reputation as a dependable presence in the secondary. For teams seeking veteran depth or leadership in the defensive backfield, he could be an appealing option.

Bucs S Jordan Whitehead – Photo by: USA Today

At 27 years old, we’ll see what Whitehead still has left to offer, and his recent tryouts suggest that he’s determined to prove it. Whether it’s returning to a familiar system or joining a new organization, the former Tampa Bay safety appears focused on earning another opportunity to make an impact on Sundays.

As training camps get set to begin and rosters evolve, Whitehead’s next chapter could come sooner rather than later.

Whitehead was still recovering all of last season, which kept him away from the game. Hopefully a team will take a chance on him as he looks to play in the NFL once again.

Could Bucs Have Interest In A Third Stint With Whitehead?

The picture looks a little different in Tampa Bay since Whitehead’s second run with Tampa Bay. Former All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. is still in his primary role at free safety, but Tykee Smith is starting at strong safety, and rookie fourth-round pick Keionte Scott looks to play an important role as a nickel cornerback rather than necessarily help the safety room.

Bucs safeties Jordan Whitehead and Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs should also be getting J.J. Roberts back at safety in training camp, plus some returning players from last season like Rashad Wisdom and Marcus Banks. If the Buccaneers want a backup safety with true veteran experience, Whitehead would be a good fit with him knowing Todd Bowles and this defense. Tampa Bay is a bit thin at depth in the secondary, but it sounds like they’re relying on young talent figuring it out.

However the journey ends up, it would be nice to see Whitehead find a landing spot to resume his career this season.