Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean sparks league-wide interest as the elite DB's contract with Tampa Bay expires.
Rumors are heating up about Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean.
Dean was selected by the Bucs in the third round of the 2019 draft out of Auburn, and he's served since as one of Tampa Bay's premier defenders, including for the Bucs' Super Bowl LV run.
However, his time in Tampa may be coming to an end as his contract is up. Dean took an $8 million pay cut this past season, playing for a non-guaranteed $4.5 million salary for one season.
The New York Giants have emerged as one of the teams looking to pursue Dean.
According to SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes, the Giants had checked in on All-Pro Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, who was traded to the Los Angeles Rams earlier this week. Hughes says the Giants were "never going as high as the Rams," but are still looking to improve in the secondary.
"Jamel Dean is someone I've heard," Hughes added.
Dean, 29, played in 14 games for the Buccaneers last season, finishing with 46 total tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
According to Pro Football Focus, Dean is projected to be the highest-paid cornerback available in free agency, possibly able to command an estimated three-year, $55 million deal. This would position Dean as one of the top-15 highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, joining former Bucs defensive back Carlton Davis, who got a similar contract with the New England Patriots last offseason.
PFF analyst Mason Cameron, in a column on Feb. 5, highlighted what makes Dean worthy of this type of contract, emphasizing his consistency and steadiness.
"Entering his age-30 season, Jamel Dean has a resume of consistency that is rarely seen at the cornerback position. Coverage play is volatile, with even the best players riding through the peaks and valleys. Yet, Dean has been able to produce a PFF coverage grade above 72.0 in each of his seven seasons as a pro."
Cameron added he has been on of the best one-on-one coverage guys on the outside, with his 86.9 PFF coverage grade, "ranking fourth among all qualifying cornerbacks."
Losing Dean would be a blow to a Bucs defense that awaits a decision by veteran linebacker Lavonte David on whether he'll retire or play another season.
After taking a pay cut last September, Dean expressed his love for Tampa. “I’m comfortable here. It’s really not about the money anymore."
Time will tell whether that remains Dean's truth.
The free-agency negotiation period opens Monday, March 9, at noon ET.
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