The Jets signed former fourth-round pick Jordan Whitehead to a two-year deal ahead of the 2022 season and he’s started all 34 games over the past two seasons, racking up 186 tackles and six interceptions. That deal has expired now, though, so Whitehead is out of contract.
Whitehead is still only 26 but could command a big contract on the open market after having been such a key contributor for the Jets over the past two seasons. Joe Douglas and the Jets will have to decide if he’s worth the investment.
So, should the Jets bring Whitehead back?
Why Whitehead should be back
Head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich have both noted that the Jets’ defense is getting better and better because key contributors have been in the system for a few years now and are growing more comfortable with their roles and responsibilities. Retaining Whitehead could therefore be seen as essential to maintaining this progress.
DJ Reed indicated on a social media post that fans and analysts don’t realize how important Whitehead is to the team’s communication in the secondary. He’s also one of the few players on the team who knows what it takes to go on a Super Bowl run, having won a ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.
Whitehead’s statistical production will also be difficult to replace. He was third on the team in total tackles in each of his two seasons as a Jet and led the Jets in interceptions last season, albeit three of his four interceptions came in his sensational performance against the Bills in the opener. He also racked up an impressive 17 passes defensed over the past two years.
New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead (3) celebrates after an interception with cornerback Michael Carter II (30) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Why Whitehead shouldn’t be back
Tony Adams played well as the other starting safety in 2023 and Ashtyn Davis did a good job as the third safety…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/stay-jets-bring-jordan-whitehead-145756529.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-02-03 14:57:56
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