A crucial starter on the football defensive line has left the New York Jets.
Veteran safety Jordan Whitehead is joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a two-year contract with a potential value of $10.5 million, according to a social media post by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
One of the Jets’ most divisive players was Whitehead.
Going home is the former Pittsburgh product. As the No. 117 overall choice in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he began his NFL career with the Bucs.
With quarterback Tom Brady, Whitehead, 26, played his first four seasons with Tampa Bay, which included a Super Bowl victory.
After his contract expired in 2022, he brought his skills to New York and joined the Jets. He agreed to pay $14.5 million for a two-year deal.
In 34 games that were played during the previous two seasons, Whitehead made an appearance. Not only was he approachable, but he also produced ridiculous amounts of work. Whitehead had six interceptions, including four last year—a career high.
Against the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 season opening, three of those four interceptions occurred. In the first hour of the season, he already had the most picks in a single season—three—in his record.
Whitehead received a lot of flak on social media for his patchy tackling, despite his many spectacular exploits.
Whitehead’s 15.6% missed tackle rate, which placed him No. 80 among NFL qualifying safeties, was noted by Jets X-Factor’s Michael Nania.
The defense’s back end saw numerous spectacular plays as a result of the player’s erratic tackle skills and bad angles.
What Takes Place at the Jets’ Safety Position Next?
It was earlier announced on X by Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic on Twitter that Ashtyn Davis is not expected to return either. He hopes to start and, should the chance not present itself, return.
When his rookie contract expired, 27-year-old Davis became the first player in NFL history to join the open market.
Davis was one of the Jets’ three pending free agents at safety this offseason. The others were Chuck Clark and the previously mentioned Whitehead. Clark was able to rejoin New York just before free agency.
If the Jets are unable to get Davis back into the fold, they will need to find a different approach at safety spot now that Whitehead is out of the picture. Although Rich Cimini of ESPN said it isn’t final during an appearance on “NY Flight Jets Talk,” Clark and Adams are currently expected to start.
Although there are several well-known players available at safety, teams have not been eager to invest in the position. If this market continues to move slowly, that might wind up helping the Jets.
During the third or fourth wave of free agency, the Jets might sneak in and acquire a more well-known player at a very low cost.
The 2024 NFL draft is the alternative scenario for the green and white. On the offensive side of the ball, New York’s needs are more urgent, but adding another safety is on the list.
