New York Jets Restructure Veteran Safety's Contract

The New York Jets have deepened their commitment to a 2022 free-agent acquisition. Per overthecap's Jason Fitzgerald, the Jets have agreed to a revised contract with safety Jordan Whitehead that will clear approximately $5 million in salary cap space.

Per source, the #Jets and Jordan Whitehead agreed on a revised contract. Jets will save about $5M on the cap this year (void years added to help with that) and Whitehead's salary is now guaranteed.
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) May 31, 2023

Whitehead signed a two-year, $14.5 million contract in March of last year. He was set to count for about $8.2 million against the cap in 2023, but by adding void years to the back end of his deal, the Jets will bring their total cap space to about $24 million. In exchange, Whitehead now has the final year of his deal guaranteed.

Whitehead entered the NFL as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 117th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He started 72 games for the Bucs over four years, including 16 during their 2020 Super Bowl run. He joined the Jets in 2022 and put together a career year, setting or matching personal bests in total tackles (89), interceptions (2), and starts (17).

Clearly, the Jets are pleased enough with Whitehead to guarantee him a roster spot in 2023 but not enough to commit to him beyond this season. Still, it's a notable restructure given the significant amount of cap space the Jets already had in place. It's possible this transaction is a precursor to a larger move by the Jets. They were reported to be nearing a blockbuster extension with defensive lineman Quinnen Williams earlier this week.