The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended their 2023 season with a 9-8 record. They successfully ensured a postseason race but fell short of expectations with a loss to the Detroit Lions. The team’s focus heading into the 2024 season is to address the vulnerabilities on their offensive and defensive sides.
The Bucs have already removed their initial setback by securing veteran Mike Evans. The team wasted no time in re-signing their quarterback Baker Mayfield, as well as Lavonte David. They now addressed another crucial need by bringing back safety Jordan Whitehead.
Jordan Whitehead reunites with Bucs on a 2-year deal
The Buccaneers have secured Jordan Whitehead on a two-year contract worth $9 million, extendable to $10.5 million with incentives, as per AP News. His return comes as the team seeks to solidify its defensive lineup after employing the franchise tag on Antoine Winfield Jr., his fellow safety.
Whitehead rejoins the Buccaneers following a stint with the New York Jets over the past two seasons. His return to the Bucs comes on the heels of a standout season marked by personal bests across multiple statistical categories. The safety showcased his prowess with Gang Green by starting in every game and notching a career-high four interceptions in 2023, including a notable three during the Jets’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills.His impressive tally of 97 tackles, and nine passes defended.
A calf injury sidelined Whitehead in the final game of the 2023 season, but the Buccaneers anticipate his swift recovery. Their secondary is also undergoing a transformation, with Zyon McCollum poised to step into a starting role following the recent departure of Carlton Davis. The team is eager to fortify their pass defense and is banking on his arrival to inject vitality into the backfield.
How was Jordan Whitehead’s prior Bucs career?
Jordan Whitehead’s tenure with the Buccaneers has been marked by consistent growth since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. As the 10th safety selected that year, he quickly proved his worth, making his debut in a season-opening victory against the New Orleans Saints. He showcased his tackling prowess by amassing 76 tackles and four pass deflections that season.
The safety finished his 2019 season with 69 tackles, nine pass deflections, one interception, and one fumble recovery. His contributions became even more pronounced during the 2020 season, where he played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning campaign. As a starter on the Bucs defense, the veteran played a crucial role in Super Bowl LV by recording two solo tackles in the team’s dominant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jordan Whitehead played in 93 games over six seasons, and had 89 starts. He recorded a total of 478 tackles, four interceptions and 42 passes defended throughout his career.
