Former Pitt Safety Set to Become NFL Free Agent

Former Pitt safety Jordan Whitehead is set to become a free agent after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers declined to pick up his 2025 option.

Whitehead, who was drafted by the ‘Bucs in the fourth round (117th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft, spent two separate stints with the organization, which included a Super Bowl Championship in 2020 as a starter.

The Monaca, Pa. native signed a two-year deal worth $9 million in 2024 with the Buccaneers. He totaled 72 tackles (42 solo) and three defended passes in 12 games of action this past season.

The #Buccaneers have informed S Jordan Whitehead they’re not exercising his option bonus, making him a free agent in a few weeks, source says. Whitehead is recovering from injuries suffered in a January car accident and is expected to be recovered well ahead of the season. pic.twitter.com/MqUcQDgdmG

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 26, 2025

His season was eventually cut short with a torn pectoral muscle after he was involved in an automobile accident while driving to the team facility on Jan. 4. He missed the regular-season finale and the team’s wild-card playoff game against the Washington Commanders.

While Whitehead is still recovering from his injuries, he is expected to recover ahead of the upcoming season.

Whitehead, who’s cap hit was set for $4.5 million, will now seek a new home. He tested free agency after his first stint with Tampa Bay as he signed with the New York Jets in 2022 on a two-year, $14.5 million deal. He played in 34 games across two seasons with the Jets, racking up 168 tackles, 17 passes defended and six interceptions.

The seven-year NFL veteran has amassed 516 career tackles (353 solo), 11 interceptions, 45 passes defended and 2.5 sacks.

Whitehead, originally a four-star recruit at Pitt out of Central Valley High School in Monaca, Pa., recorded 235 tackles (162 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, a half-sack, three interceptions, 12 passes defended and two defensive touchdowns in just 31 games at Pitt between 2015-17.