The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the offseason with limited cap space, $8.4 million to work with, and plenty of team needs. Highlighting one of Tampa Bay’s biggest defensive team needs is a defensive back after giving up the most completions, fourth-most passing yards, tied for the tenth-most passing touchdowns, and tied for the fourth-fewest interceptions. Since the Buccaneers pass defense struggled last season, a few defensive backs could be on the chopping block this offseason, including their veteran safety.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran safety had a rough reunion
Jordan Whitehead had a rough first season back in Tampa Bay, struggling in pass coverage and missing time with two significant injuries. Whitehead recorded 79 tackles, two TFLs, and three pass deflections, allowing 23 receptions on 34 targets for 307 yards, three touchdowns, and a 125.5 passer rating in 12 starts. He missed four games (Weeks 13-16) with a partially torn pectoral and Week 18 and the Wild Card due to a cervical fracture in his neck after being involved in a car accident.
Whitehead has an option bonus due on March 11. If the Buccaneers exercise his option bonus, he will earn a $3.75 million base salary, a $750,000 roster bonus, with a $4.5 million cap hit in 2025. If they decline, the final year of his contract voids; therefore, he will be a free agent this offseason instead of 2026.
Also Read: Predicting Each NFC South Team’s Most Likely Cap Casualty for 2025
Buccaneers veteran safety to hit free agency after rough 2024 season
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have informed Jordan Whitehead they will decline his option bonus, making him a free agent. The Buccaneers will free up $4.5 million in cap space, and they should have $12.9 million in cap space. However, General Manager Jason Licht did not close the door on a potential return.
Despite declining Whitehead’s option, #Buccaneers GM Jason Licht made it clear yesterday the door is open for his return: “Jordan is a great guy. Love to have him back. Just need to make sure he’s healthy.” https://t.co/Ex0ZyCzySL
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 26, 2025
Who replaces him in the starting lineup?
Tykee Smith could end up replacing Jordan Whitehead at safety. Smith played in the slot during his rookie season and played well, but he did not play every snap since slot cornerbacks don’t play every snap on defense. During Tuesday’s press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, Head Coach Todd Bowles told the media that the star defensive back wants to move to safety next season, allowing him to play every snap, and the head coach is open to the idea.
“Yeah, it’s definitely something we talked about, and going into the spring is something we’re going to look at as well,” Bowles said, via Collin Haalboom of Sports Illustrated. “Tykee wants to play safety, so we’re definitely going to be looking at it. So it’s an option for us.
“Oh, he’s very comfortable at nickel. He’s our best nickel. Safety obviously stays on the field 100% of the time with a nickel probably 75% of the time, and he wants to be on the field 100% of the time. Doesn’t mean he’s not going to play from nickel, but he can play more on the base defense.”
For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:
Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me on Linkedin. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here.
Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.
Our Partners
