4 free agents the NY Jets should kick to the curb this offseason

2. Jordan Whitehead, S, NY Jets

The Jets boasted one of the best defenses in football in 2023, complete with genuine All-Pro-caliber talent at cornerback, linebacker, and along the defensive line. Essentially every position group in the Jets' defense was stocked with star-level contributors.

All except for one.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas hasn't prioritized the safety position during his team with the team, so it should come as no surprise that safety was the weak spot in the Jets' defense in 2023. Jordan Whitehead was the primary culprit.

The veteran safety missed more tackles than any player at his position in the league (20) and also allowed more touchdowns than any safety in the NFL (7). That's not a very encouraging statistical tandem.

Now, Whitehead was probably a little better than those numbers indicate. His 68.1 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 39th among 96 qualified safeties. Despite his seven touchdowns allowed, Whitehead was only credited with allowing 20 catches all year — a figure that ranked top-five among safeties to play at least 900 defensive snaps.

Still, the Jets can clearly used an upgrade. Whitehead's tackling woes have been a significant issue in the back end of the Jets' defense over the last two years. His 43.4 PFF tackling grade in 2023 was the worst of his career to this point.

The Jets may have found an undrafted gem in Tony Adams, who improved over the course of the season. Ashtyn Davis maximized his snaps and has earned a second contract with the team. Even Chuck Clark, who tore his ACL during OTAs, could be brought back on a cheap deal.

As for Whitehead, the Jets should look elsewhere.