Steelers secure top cornerback Jamel Dean on a lucrative deal, bolstering their secondary after his standout seven-year run with the Buccaneers.
After losing receiver Mike Evans in free agency Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also learned Jamel Dean will not returning to Tampa, either.
Dean is headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a three-year deal worth an estimated $36 million, according to multiple reports.
Evans has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers on a four-year, $60.4 million contract.
These deals are expected to be finalized Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The Bucs selected Dean in the third round of the 2019 draft after a breakout senior season at Auburn. Dean has spent all seven seasons of his pro career in Tampa, playing a part in helping the team win Super Bowl LV in 2021.
During his career, Dean has established himself as one of the top defensive backs, making a living in one-on-one coverage on the outside. Dean posted an 86.9 coverage grade last season, ranking fourth among all qualifying cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
He has also shown consistency, recording a PFF grade of 72 or higher in each of his seven seasons. Dean was also the top-graded rookie cornerback in the 2019 class, commanding a 76.4 PFF grade.
Dean took an $8 million pay cut this past season, playing for a non-guaranteed $4.5 million salary in the final season of his four-year, $52 million deal with the Bucs.
He produced perhaps his best season, appearing in 14 games, recording 46 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles, including a pick-six against the New York Jets in week three.
In week six, against the 49ers, Dean earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, notching a sack, forced fumble and interception en route to a 30-19 Bucs win. This was the first time a Buc has claimed this award since Hall-of-Fame defensive back Ronde Barber won it in week one of the 2012 season.
Head coach Todd Bowles talked about Dean's growth following the game.
“It takes a few years to get it all down and become a seasoned vet. ... I think the mental part of it is clicking with the physical part right now," Bowles said. "He’s not thinking as much -- he’s just playing ball. He feels free, and he’s doing a great job.”
Rumors surrounding Dean's availability had heated up over the past week, with the New York Giants emerging as an early suitor.
However, it was the Steelers who ultimately signed Dean, adding him to a formidable secondary unit consisting of former All-Pro Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr.
The Bucs now hand over the keys to their young and hungry secondary, with the second-year duo of Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish battling with Zyon McCollum for Tampa's newly opened CB1 position.
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