NFL free agency 2022: Best safeties available

4. Jordan Whitehead

The Buccaneers hit on Jordan Whitehead in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Pitt and they haven’t looked back. He took over a starting role as a rookie and has put in four solid seasons, getting better each year.

In 2021, Whitehead didn’t give up a touchdown as a primary defender, per Pro Football Reference. He had 73 tackles, five tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble as a bright spot in the Tampa Bay secondary.

That was a continuation of the output he produced in 2020 with 74 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four pass deflections, two interceptions and two sacks.

He’s only 24 years old, so there’s reason to believe he’s going to continue developing into an even better safety in this next contract.

Given his age and reliability, Whitehead would be a really strong pickup for a lot of teams looking to invest in a bright young talent.