Future of Bucs veteran becomes even cloudier after Todd Bowles' latest comments at the NFL Combine
The decision to bring Jordan Whitehead back last offseason was a sound decision, but a down year and injuries ultimately derailed the reunion and Whitehead's off-field injury has his 2025 prospects with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in question, as well.“We’re evaluating that,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said via Pewter Report. “[He had] another serious […]
The decision to bring Jordan Whitehead back last offseason was a sound decision, but a down year and injuries ultimately derailed the reunion and Whitehead's off-field injury has his 2025 prospects with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in question, as well.
“We’re evaluating that,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said via Pewter Report. “[He had] another serious injury that didn’t happen on the field. We just need to make sure we’re making [the right decision]…
"… Jordan is a great guy. We would love to have him back, but we just need to make sure that he’s healthy.”
Whitehead got in a car wreck and subsequently suffered a cervical fracture in his neck back in January. It caused him to miss the playoffs and the extent of the fracture is unclear. However, a minor fracture can take 6-8 weeks to heal and a more severe one requiring surgery can take 2-3 months.
The seven-year veteran wasn't playing up to his typical standards before the injury and that immediately led to questions surrounding his future. Especially when considering the Bucs can create $4.5 million in cap room, while taking on zero dead money if he's released.
The Bucs also have a backup plan on their roster and it sounds like they're putting into action. That would be the idea of moving Tykee Smith to safety and Todd Bowles confirmed it's something they've been looking into.
“That’s definitely something we’ve talked about,” Bowles said via Pewter Report. “Going into the spring that’s something we’re going to look at, as well. Tykee wants to play safety, so we’re definitely going to be looking to be looking at it. It’s an option for us.”
Smith at safety makes a lot of sense, even if he did a good job at nickel in 2024. It's not like the Bucs would be without options at nickel, either. Christian Izien has plenty of experience at the position and has provided solid snaps over the course of his career.
"I thought [Christian] Izien carried us probably halfway through the season when he was healthy," said Bowles. "… I thought those guys got some experience and really helped us in the end and developed some depth. Going into this year, that’s something we can hopefully build on.”
Moving Smith to safety not only makes sense, but it increases the chances of forcing more takeaways since he'll be on the field more, which is the No. 1 priority for Bowles right now. Smith tied for the team lead with two interceptions and forced three fumbles last year while playing 71% of defensive snaps. At safety, he'd be on the field for at least 90% of snaps, which is a big increase in playing time.
The down year, injury history, and the idea of moving Smith to safety has Whitehead's future with the Bucs cloudier than ever. It'll be disappointing if the reunion ends up as short-lived as year, but at the same time, we all know this is how life in the NFL goes. Unless you're one of the league's elite players – nothing is guaranteed.
