After stacking up talent from the NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may cut cornerback Zyon McCollum before the 2025 regular season. According to one report, the source believes the Buccaneers may release McCollum since they have a ton of depth after drafting Benjamin Morrison in the second round and Jacob Parrish in the third. This means there might not be a realistic path for McCollum to succeed in this unit if he doesn’t have a long-term contract that promises that he will get an extension. For the past three seasons, the Buccaneers went big on extending secondary talent such as Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean and Antoine Winfield Jr., so that doesn’t leave a lot of room for Tampa Bay to find a way to extend McCollum. The source explains that if McCollum gets a new contract extension, they may risk that they’ll never see him the same again.
After giving Davis, Dean and Winfield new deals, they haven’t been performing up to standards, which is why they let go of Davis this past year. They don’t want the run the same scenario again this offseason, which is why McCollum didn’t receive a new extension yet as the cornerback enters the final year of his contract. If Parrish and Morrison appear to be making strides at practice, they could be open to trading McCollum, at least to garner some draft capital. After coming off a career-high of 17 deflections and two interceptions, these four teams may pursue him to salvage their unit.
Report: Buccaneers Could Cut Former Fifth Rounder Zyon McCollum – 4 Suitors Emerge
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
Despite signing Jaire Alexander to a one-year deal, it wouldn’t hurt to add another cornerback to bolster the Ravens’ secondary department. Chidobe Awuzie was arguably one of the worst signings this year, and they’re better off targeting someone like McCollum in a possible trade. Between Marlon Humphrey and 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins, the Ravens always do well with a deep cornerback unit, and McCollum could solidify this entire group.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders need the depth to bolster their secondary. After losing Benjamin St-Juste, the team is risking a one-year deal on Jonathan Jones to hopefully provide some relief alongside veteran Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil. McCollum might not get the starting job right away, but he could add potential if Lattimore sustains another injury due to his history.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints made several moves this offseason in the trenches, but have ignored adding capable pass secondary talent. Between Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry, it doesn’t sound like a team that wants to win. However, even though the Saints aren’t contenders this season, it doesn’t mean they should throw in the white towel. McCollum could revive this unit and change the scenery since Lattimore and Paulson Adebo left.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers had one of the most surprising performances last year when it came to the team’s secondary under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. However, they did lose Kristian Fulton to their bitter rival, but made up for it by signing Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste for backup. 2024 draft pick Cam Hart has large shoes to fill, but Jim Harbaugh shouldn’t risk him yet, as McCollum could be in a better place to start full-time.
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