Bucs fans are well aware of the player turned cornerback Jamel Dean in Tampa. But to the national audience, he may not be much of a household name. However, that will change in a few days.
Jamel Dean could be the highest paid cornerback in Free Agency
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero made one list of seven lesser-known free agents who are about to see a lot more money in their bank accounts when the free desk arrives on March 15.
The players are Broncos defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones, Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, right tackles Jawaan Taylor (Jaguars), Kaleb McGary (Falcons), Mike McGlinchey (49ers), cornerback Byron Murphy of the Cardinals and Jamel Dean.
Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Here’s what Pelissero had to say about Dean when he hit the market.
“Veterans James Bradberry (age 29), Jonathan Jones (29) and Cam Sutton (28) are doing well on their third multi-year deals. But don’t be surprised if Dean threatens the CB market, with a contract that could start in the $16 million per year range. A third-round pick for the Buccaneers in 2019, Dean has quietly emerged as one of the NFL’s better young cornerbacks, with seven interceptions and 41 passes defended in 57 career games (38 starts). Per PFF last season, Dean allowed a 50 percent completion percentage (fourth of CBs with at least 50 targets) and 6.1 yards per target (T-10th), with a forced incomplete percentage of 16.2 percent (T-12th). ”
Dre’Mont Jones is about to become a very rich man. So is Jamel Dean.
My annual look at some of the lesser-known names lining up for eye-watering contracts when the free agency opens next week:
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2023
Bucs searches for Jamel Dean’s replacement
It’s so interesting that Jamel Dean, who was CB2 on the Bucs roster, could end up getting paid more than Tampa Bay’s top corner Carlton Davis III. Davis gets paid $14.5 million per season and as Pelissero said, Dean might get $16 million.
Bucs CB Jamel Dean and WR Olamide Zaccheaus – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Timing is everything though, and Tampa Bay had to secure at least one of their two best turns on their way to free agency last year, knowing they couldn’t lose both Davis last offseason and Dean in this one. To Dean’s credit he played his best football in a contract year and he will reap the rewards.
This leaves the Bucs in a tough spot with only Davis and Zyon McCollum on the grid. McCollum isn’t ready to be a corner kicker yet, so look out for Tampa Bay to sign a corner kicker early. They can always choose the free agency route for a cheaper option, but the situation with a salary cap is already tight.
Situations like Dean’s show why it’s hard to maintain a high level of success year after year. If you sign well, it means players will look for second contracts and you won’t be able to re-sign every player.
For example, when the Bucs won the Super Bowl during the 2020 season, nine of their 11 starers had rookie contracts. It’s about achieving a thin line where you keep a core intact and then can supplement in drafts. The Bucs hope to do that in the off-season. It’s too bad for them though that it will probably be without Jamel Dean.
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