Safety Alert! Jets Face Secondary Decisions
Fifty percent of the New York Jets' safeties room is eligible for free agency this March, meaning upcoming decisions will determine whether or not the back end of the defense remains intact.
Free safety Tony Adams, who became a full-time starter in 2023, and Jarrick Bernard-Converse, who saw only four defensive snaps as a rookie, are set to return. Starting strong safety Jordan Whitehead and second-stringer Ashtyn Davis will become free agents if not re-signed by the start of the new league year.
It seems financially feasible for the Jets to bring back both players should mutual interest exist. If the Jets want change at a reasonable price, however, a grizzled veteran like Adrian Phillips could be in play. After reducing his role in 2023, the Patriots are reportedly releasing the soon-to-be 32-year-old. The Chicago Bears recently parted ways with former Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson, another potential player of interest for general manager Joe Douglas and Co.
Considering the unit's success, one would think the Jets prefer to keep the band together. The Jets' pass defense (168.3) ranked second in the NFL last season.
After four seasons, and a Super Bowl title, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Whitehead inked a two-year free agent deal to join the Jets in 2022. He made 34 consecutive starts for a Top 5 defense, totaling 186 tackles. Whitehead accounted for six interceptions and 17 passes defensed over the course of the two-year contract, which was worth $14.5 million according to Spotrac.
"Jordan Whitehead was a really good signing," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh at the team's closing press conference on January 8.
© Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com
Davis, who received criticism for not immediately living up to his draft status, emerged as an impactful contributor on defense in 2023. After being limited to special teams in 2022, the 2020 third-round pick (No. 68 overall) saw 217 defensive snaps while picking off three passes this past season. Continuing as a special teams regular, Davis recorded nine tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery while covering kicks. He'll likely command a modest salary as a free agent.
Veteran free agent Chuck Clark adds another variable to the Jets' safeties situation. After joining New York via trade last offseason, Clark tore his ACL on the final day of OTAs and proceeded to miss the entire 2023 campaign. He was penciled in to start alongside Whitehead prior to the injury and is a candidate to return on a prove-it deal.
Despite facing uncertainty at the safety spot, Douglas need not worry about his top-two players on the outside of the formation. Cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed, who have been billed as a top duo in the NFL, are both under contract through 2024.
