Tampa Bay Buccaneers face tough decision on Jordan Whitehead's future

With a chance to free up cap space, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must determine if Jordan Whitehead fits into their long-term plans.

Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (3) reacts after a play against the Washington Commanders in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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

READ MORE: Top NFL Draft expert links Buccaneers to wide receiver with superstar potential

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.

---

READ MORE: Tristan Wirfs reveals funny moment with Baker Mayfield after Liam Coen’s Jaguars 'Duuuval' chant

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Top NFL Draft expert links Buccaneers to wide receiver with superstar potential

• Buccaneers NFC South rival agrees to contract extension with veteran backup QB

• ESPN names best fit for Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin in free agency

• Buccaneers' star rookie running back ranked in PFF's top 101 players of 2024