Former Tampa Bay defender throws shade at Buccaneers
Earlier this week, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Jordan Whitehead signed a two-year deal worth $14.5 million with the New York Jets. Whitehead played his first four seasons in the NFL with the Bucs, totaling 292 tackles, two sacks, and five interceptions. He also had 25 passes defended. After Whitehead signed with the Jets, […]
Earlier this week, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Jordan Whitehead signed a two-year deal worth $14.5 million with the New York Jets.
Whitehead played his first four seasons in the NFL with the Bucs, totaling 292 tackles, two sacks, and five interceptions. He also had 25 passes defended.
After Whitehead signed with the Jets, it was reported that Tampa Bay didn't even make the Pittsburgh native an offer.
On Friday evening, Whitehead responded to the narrative that Tampa Bay didn't extend an offer to him because he's a liability in coverage.
"Y’all just say I’m a liability in coverage because that’s what the Bucs made it seem to be," tweeted Whitehead. "If you watch the film you would know the truth."
Whitehead, who played some at strong safety and free safety for the Bucs, is known as a physical defender.
Pro Football Focus graded Whitehead as the No. 27 overall safety. But he didn't grade that well in coverage. PFF had Whitehead as the No. 35 safety in pass coverage with a 68.0 grade. Not great, not terrible.
I'd say the truth is somewhere in the middle. Whitehead isn't necessarily a liability in coverage, but he doesn't excel in coverage, either.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter. Whitehead has a new home. And the Bucs have a new safety in Logan Ryan, who graded even worse in coverage last season than Whitehead (Ryan's PFF pass coverage grade was 51.1).
Maybe that's why Whitehead is bitter. Either way, it's clear there's no love lost between him and Tampa Bay.
Featured image via Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
