Jordan Whitehead was a free safety with the Jets. He played in a different role for Tampa Bay. His veteran presence and versatility would be a welcomed addition for the 49ers.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed safety Jordan Whitehead that they’re not exercising his option bonus, making Whitehead a free agent. That move saves Tampa Bay $4.5 million in cap space.
Whitehead was originally drafted by the Buccaneers but started every game in 2022 and 2023 for the New York Jets under Robert Saleh. In New York, Whitehead was predominantly a free safety. That was not the case in Tampa Bay, with All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr.
Whitehead allowed completion percentages of 53 and 50 percent in two seasons with the Jets while having five and six pass breakups in each respective season. It’s worth noting that Whitehead had a career-high in interceptions with four during the 2023 season and a career-high in tackles.
His usage was much different in Tampa Bay. For example, Whitehead rushed the passer 13 times in two combined seasons with New York, more than double that in four of five seasons with the Buccaneers.
Whitehead would be a relatively cheap option for a team expected to let safety Talanoa Hufanga walk. He signed a two-year contract worth $9 million last offseason. Whitehead will be 28 in a few weeks. Saleh asks more of his safeties in coverage, making Whitehead a better scheme fit. During his time with the Jets, he’d move around from slot corner to playing in the box, so trust isn’t an issue.
Whitehead would compete with Ji’Ayir Brown for playing time. Saleh has been known to use three safeties on the field at a time, so adding a player of Whitehead’s skill set helps the depth and brings in a veteran familiar with Saleh’s scheme to accelerate Brown and Malik Mustapha’s learning curve.
Whether it’s Harrison Smith, Justin Reid, or Whitehead, a veteran safety is on the offseason checklist for the 49ers. With Whitehead’s recent release, the familiarity and potential starting spot might be enough to entice the free agent to play for Saleh again.