While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and general manager Jason Licht continue to tweak the roster in anticipation of free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft, they’ve made a final decision on one player.
And their decision not to pick up the second-year option for safety Jordan Whitehead means the former Pitt Panther will become a free agent this season, per multiple reports.
Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (3) defends during the second half at Raymond James Stadium.
© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The decision was made by the Bucs now in order to avoid a $750,000 payout to Whitehead for a roster bonus due on March 17. He was also due a $3.75 million salary for 2025. With his departure, Tampa Bay will save $4.5 million in cap space.
Whitehead missed the Bucs’ short playoff run after being injured in a car accident in early January before being placed on the non-football injury list by Tampa Bay.
The Bucs lost to the Commanders 23-20 in the Wild Card Round on Jan. 12 after beating Washington 37-20 in Game 1 last season.
Licht might’ve hinted as Whitehead’s future on Tuesday at the NFL Combine when he said he had some concern about Whitehead’s health heading into next season. Now some other team can worry about it.
