Bucs sign Whitehead, trade Davis to Lions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bring back a familiar face as they signed free agent safety Jordan Whitehead, the team announced on Thursday.

According to Ian Rapoport, it’s a two-year deal worth $9 million.

The sixth-year veteran began his career as a fourth-round selection (No. 117 overall) by Tampa Bay in the 2018 NFL Draft and played his first four seasons for the Buccaneers, starting at safety for the Super Bowl LV championship team.

Whitehead, 26, rejoins Tampa Bay after spending the previous two seasons with the New York Jets, starting all 34 regular season games and recording 123 tackles, 17 passes defensed and six interceptions. He led all defensive backs last season with 32 run stops, per Next Gen Stats.

“Adding Jordan back to our defensive backfield is a big addition for us and we are all excited to get him back in the building,” said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht in a press release. “Jordan is a thumper, who sets the tone with his physicality and effort, and he was a key member of our Super Bowl defense. He is an ideal fit for a Todd Bowles defense and while we hated to see him leave two years ago, today we got our guy back.”

Bucs ship Davis to Detrioit

The Buccaneers acquired a third-round pick (No. 92 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for cornerback Carlton Davis III, a sixth-round pick (No. 201 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Davis III, 27, started 75-of-76 games for the Buccaneers since being drafted by the team as a second-round pick (No. 63 overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

In his career with Tampa Bay, he has totaled 320 tackles (12 for loss), 73 passes defensed, nine interceptions, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.

“It’s always difficult to part ways with a player that has meant so much to your organization” said Buccaneers Licht said. “Carlton was a vital member of our Super Bowl championship team and has been a tremendous teammate over the past six seasons. We are thankful for the time we spent together and wish him the best in Detroit.”