Tahir

Whitehead

The deal includes a $1.45 million signing bonus. Whitehead has started 87 games for the Lions and Raiders since 2012. He’s racked up at least 100 tackles in each of the last four seasons, but graded out as one of PFF’s worst coverage LBs in 2019. Still, the Panthers’ league-worst run defense can use all the help they can get.

The move clears nearly $6 million in cap space. Whitehead has started 87 games for the Lions and Raiders since entering the league in 2012. He’ll be 30 years old in April, but should still command some interest on the free agent market. PFF graded Whitehead as the league’s 13th-best LB against the run among 99 qualified players in 2019.

The longtime Lion is coming off a 16-start, 110-tackle season. He was a solid player in 2017 and would be a snap hog for new Raiders coach Jon Gruden.

Off-ball linebacker has been a persistent problem on GM Reggie McKenzie’s watch, as the Raiders have been average or worst against the run and gotten hurt badly by tight ends over the past four seasons. 28-year-old Whitehead’s strength is run defense, but he has experience playing in sub-packages and offers sneaky blitz potential. Whitehead was primarily an edge rusher at Temple.

The Lions also acquired the No. 223 pick, with the Vikes receiving a 2013 fourth-rounder in return. A situational pass rusher with the Owls, Whitehead is likely ticketed for the same role in Detroit. A tiny linebacker at 6'1" and 233 pounds, Whitehead has plus range and athletic ability to go with an array of moves. He rarely plays against the run because he struggles to get off blocks. Expect Whitehead to begin his career as a special teamer.

Whitehead was a nickel rusher at Temple, and he’ll compete for a similar role in Detroit while also playing strong-side linebacker. Whitehead has a quick first step and posted an explosive 10-foot-7 broad jump at the Owls’ Pro Day.

Whitehead’s new coaches were also impressed with his ability to “digest a new scheme.” The Detroit Free Press believes Whitehead could “turn out to be the surprise pick of the draft this fall.” If Whitehead makes an impression as a rookie, it will likely be on special teams and in the nickel defense.

“He is something,” Cunningham said. “That’s by far the biggest surprise I’ve had in quite a while as a coach.” Whitehead has been drawing raves all spring, and appears ticketed for more than just special teams as a rookie. A dynamo behind the line at Temple, Whitehead could see meaningful snaps as a nickel rusher.

Both linebackers are among the eight Lions starters slated to hit unrestricted free agency. Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead, both selected late in the 2012 draft, are viewed as potential replacements in the starting lineup.

Whitehead and Lewis were both late-round picks last spring, while Palmer is a four-year veteran. Whitehead and Lewis combined for just three snaps on defense as rookies, while Palmer has only made nine starts in four years. The Lions should be on the lookout for low-cost vets on the open market.