The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have declined their option on starting safety Jordan Whitehead, who was injured in a car accident early last month, NFL Network reported Wednesday.

The move saves the team $4.5 million, though Bucs general manager Jason Licht said this week they hope to re-sign him. As it stands, Whitehead is set to become a free agent next month.

“Jordan is a great guy. Love to have him back. Just need to make sure he’s healthy,” Licht said Tuesday.

Whitehead suffered injuries in the accident that kept him out the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints. He also missed the Bucs’ playoff loss to Washington.

Whitehead, 27, started 12 games for the Bucs last season, missing four due to a pectoral injury. He had 79 tackles and three passes defensed, and he played 91 percent of the defensive snaps when active.

He signed a two-year, $9 million free-agent deal with the Buccaneers in March 2024 after two seasons with the New York Jets. He began his career with four seasons in Tampa Bay before returning.

Whitehead has appeared in 105 career games (101 starts) and made 557 tackles (31 for loss). He also has 2.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 45 passes defensed.

–Field Level Media