After giving Zyon McCollum a contract extension, it could signal the departure of cornerback Jamel Dean. According to the breaking news, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are extending starting cornerback McCollum to a three-year deal. This cornerback played a huge role last year in the secondary when Carlton Davis and Dean went down with injuries. With that, this might spell bad news for Dean, who has been the subject of trade or release rumors this past offseason.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Auburn product finished the 2024 campaign with 45 solo tackles, seven pass deflections and one interception, but injured his knee near the end of the season, and he couldn’t play again that year. It’s hard to imagine what type of contract Dean will receive since he’s in the final year of his contract. The Buccaneers might dangle him on the trade block since it might be better to get some draft capital in return.
With drafting Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, the Buccaneers might see less action from Dean as the season progresses. It will be something to watch as the Buccaneers’ season plays out. Here are four teams that might take a chance on the cornerback right before the postseason next year.
Breaking: Buccaneers Blockbuster Zyon McCollum Extension May Signal Departure
Possible Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens signed a few new secondary weapons between Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander. However, Alexander gives them the upper hand in that room, so the Ravens could part ways with Awuzie at some point if he doesn’t live up to expectations this 2025 campaign. With Marlon Humphrey still performing at his best, they could use someone like Dean to support 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins. The Ravens might not get much from Dean on every down, but it gives Baltimore another adequate player who could easily turn into a starter.
This is the type of guy that Baltimore should go for when looking for an upgrade over Awuzie.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints have one of the worst cornerback units in the league between Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor. They don’t have much depth, so they’re in dire need of a replacement. After losing Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore in one season, the team is starting from scratch. The Buccaneers won’t trade Dean to their rival, but if he becomes available in free agency next offseason, the Saints could take a look.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers are bringing back their starting cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson, on new contracts. The Panthers brought in Damarri Mathis off waivers, but those plans fell apart when he suffered a season-ending injury. The team should be in the market for a cornerback, and if Dean becomes available in free agency, they should sign him to at least a one-year contract.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys still have question marks in their secondary unit. Even though Trevon Diggs was able to “shut down” AJ Brown, he still needs to prove that he can break up the passes that are thrown his way. DaRon Bland isn’t going anywhere, but Kaiir Elam got smoked in Week 1. Perhaps, they should be in the market for a cornerback if it gets worse as far as depth, and they should get Dean if he becomes available on the trade block.
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