Well we knew the Bucs weren’t going to be able to keep everyone. The latest departure is safety Jordan Whitehead. Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Whitehead is signing with the New York Jets. Contract detail have not yet been released.
The Jets have agreed to terms with former Bucs S Jordan Whitehead, sources tell @espn. Another proven starter for the secondary. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 15, 2022
Whitehead has been a pivotal part of the Bucs secondary over the last two seasons. The hard-hitting safety is arguably one of the best run defenders in the game at his position. But it is has been his improvement as a coverage player that has rounded out his game. A weapon in the box, the Bucs used Whitehead in a variety of ways on defense.
In his four years with the Bucs, Whitehead has only missed six games. He’s amassed 292 tackles, 22 for a loss, and two sacks. In coverage he has five interceptions and has broken up 25 passes. He’s also added two forced fumbles. Most notable was the fumble-inducing hit he put on running back Aaron Jones in the NFC Championship game.
The loss opens up a hole in the secondary. However, the Bucs could use Antoine Winfield in more of an in-the-box role with Mike Edwards starting at free safety. Of course, they could also look to free agency or the draft to add another safety.
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About the Author: J.C. Allen
sucks to lose a player of that caliber but you cant sign everyone. At least we have Edwards to pick it up
Damn. Not the worst guy to lose but he is under rated imo. Run D suffered with him out.
Great upgrade for the Jets and reliable player. Better bargain than what the Seahawks gave up for with Jamal Adams.
Yeah… but it’s the JETS!
Tyrann Mathieu / Bruce Arians reunion?
Sign Tyrann Mathieu since he and Brady are Super Bowl buddies
If the Bucs couldn’t pay Whitehead what makes you think they can afford to pay Mathieu. Try thinking first.
Lol! good comment!
Good gawd, the Jets?
He’s gonna surely miss the Bucs. Hope the money is worth it for him going to the Jets.
Yeah… this one stings a bit! Whitehead was a beast out there. Every year better than the last. Tough to replace those stats and instincts. Would be nice to sign a middle ground Free Agent DB. One with a few games under his belt. Whitehead was a cap casualty. Just not enough dollars to go around when another team values ur team’s player at a higher number than u can afford, giving ur own Free Agents and our ability to sign them. Solid player Whitehead!
I’ll say it again for those of you in the back with..the cheap seats. Go right ahead, get us the best offense in the NFL. Its gonna look real stupid when your Defense cannot get of the field. Last yr we had very little pass rush. Thats why our average secondary had to work so hard runnin down receivers..after the catch. Keep in your minds, LA is bringing back their entire Defense in tact. And they are Awesome. We should know that better than anybody. They whipped us twice. . Bucs better find a pass rush from somewhere………..
The ones who look stupid are you – DUDE!!! Our defense was the fifth ranked scoring defense in the league. You know what that means? It means 27 other NFL teams were worse. Uhh, and Division Champions for the first time since 2008 .. and the previous year’s world champions, same defense. So the defense allowed the Super Bowl Champions to score a field goal on them? Well, you give up the ball by scoring too quickly, as the offense did … and that’s what you get when playing the world champions. It’s a team sport – everybody contributes to… Read more »
Damn.
Wow, he must have ready wanted the money. The Jets? He will fade into obscurity.
Not very bright of him to go to the Jets. He’ll regret that decision.
Big loss! Jordan Whitehead one of our best defensive players over the last 3 years–so many awesome plays! Really really good Buccaneer. Jason Licht made one of his best draft picks with Jordan Whitehead. Licht will have to do it again in this next draft to replace him. Look forward to watching Whitehead make plays for the Jets–they got a damn good player.
Got to meet Whitehead’s parents when he was a relatively unknown rookie 4th round Draft pick. Gotta love those Pittsburgh people. Turned out to be a much better choice than expected. Too bad he and Cappa are moving on. It’s a testament to Jason Licht’s drafting that 3rd and 4th round draftees are so highly regarded.
It’s the norm for middle round draft picks to come in, play well and eventually earn a starter’s job, then price themselves off the team when it’s time to get paid. Only if such a player turns into more than just a starter, becomes a Pro Bowler or All Pro, that it’s worth overpaying them to stay. The secret is good drafting in those middle rounds, to keep a steady flow of good if not great players working for cheap rookie contract money. That’s the only way a team can afford to pay a core of star players that they… Read more »