The Pittsburgh Steelers are actively seeking to fill the void left by Minkah Fitzpatrick's departure to the Miami Dolphins. General manager Omar Khan has made a significant trade, bringing in cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith while sending Fitzpatrick back to Miami. This leaves the Steelers in need of a safety, and local talent Jordan Whitehead may be a fitting option given his roots in Pennsylvania and his collegiate experience at the University of Pittsburgh.

Whitehead, drafted in the fourth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018, has demonstrated his skills as a safety and could provide both familiarity and capability to the Steelers' defense. As they look to bolster their secondary, Whitehead’s potential to return to his home state offers an intriguing possibility for both the player and the team.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are parting ways with Jordan Whitehead after a single season since re-signing him prior to the 2024 season. Originally drafted by the Bucs in 2018, he spent three productive years in Tampa Bay before moving to the New York Jets in free agency. He returned to Tampa Bay in hopes of providing a spark to the team’s secondary, but injuries plagued his season, culminating in a car accident that sidelined him during the playoffs.

Ultimately, the Buccaneers will not activate Whitehead's option bonus, making him a free agent again. This decision saves the team $4.5 million against the cap, freeing them up as they navigate a tight financial situation. In 2024, Whitehead recorded 79 tackles and 3 passes defended over 12 games, but that wasn't enough to secure his future in Tampa Bay.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing critical decisions regarding their roster as free agency approaches. One of the key players under scrutiny is safety Jordan Whitehead, who returned to the team after a stint with the New York Jets but has struggled to meet expectations. His performance has been marred by injuries, including a recent non-football injury from a car accident, which resulted in his absence during the playoffs.

General Manager Jason Licht's comments indicate uncertainty around Whitehead's future with the team. He acknowledged the seriousness of Whitehead's injury while hinting at the need for prudent financial decisions. With a $4.5 million cap hit next season and no dead cap if cut, Whitehead is considered a potential candidate for release. However, if the Buccaneers opt to keep him, it may hinge on their draft strategy and potential cheaper contract negotiations.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their dominance in the NFC South by clinching the division title for the fourth straight season, but their performance in pass defense raised significant concerns. Ranking 30th in the NFL for passing yards allowed, the Buccaneers also struggled with interceptions and completion percentage, with opponents completing 66.4% of their passes. Injuries played a significant role, sidelining key defensive backs throughout the season. However, rookie Tykee Smith emerged as a promising player, earning recognition as a potential breakout star for 2025.

Despite the underwhelming performance of the Buccaneers' defense, there are reasons for optimism going into next season, particularly with the development of young talent like Smith. His impressive run-defense grade and ability to contribute significantly highlight the organization’s strength in drafting and talent development.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Washington Commanders with a nearly complete roster. After several weeks of injuries, the team is expected to have key players back on the field, including tight end Cade Otton, safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Edwards, cornerback Jamel Dean, and defensive tackle Logan Hall. This marks a significant improvement in their health, as they prepare to face the Commanders in a crucial game.

While the Buccaneers will still be without wide receiver Chris Godwin and safety Jordan Whitehead, they are anticipated to field their most complete lineup in a long time. The matchup will take place at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday Night Football, with the stakes high—only one team will advance in the playoffs.