The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a difficult decision to make regarding safety Jordan Whitehead.

After returning to Tampa Bay in 2024, Whitehead was expected to be a key piece in the secondary. However, as USA Today’s Christian D’Andrea wrote, “Whitehead’s production fell off precipitously in his first year in Tampa,” raising serious concerns about his future with the team.

With the Buccaneers facing salary cap constraints, Whitehead has become a potential cap casualty as they look for ways to retain key veterans.

Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (3) after a catch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Buccaneers could free up $4.5 million in cap space by moving on from Whitehead, a figure that may not seem substantial but could prove crucial given the team’s financial situation. “There are zero guarantees when it comes to his 2025 salary,” said D’Andrea. This emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding his future.

With players like Chris Godwin and Lavonte David needing new deals, Tampa Bay must find ways to create financial flexibility to keep core contributors on the roster.

The front office in Tampa Bay now faces a crucial choice: retain Whitehead and hope for a bounce-back season or cut ties to allocate resources elsewhere. While his experience and past production could justify keeping him, the Buccaneers are “pressed up against the salary cap and need to find cash to keep standbys like Chris Godwin and Lavonte David in town,” as D’Andrea said.

Whether Whitehead remains in Tampa Bay will likely depend on how much value the team places on financial relief versus maintaining continuity in the secondary.