Jenna LaineESPN Staff Writer5:09 PM ET2 Minute Read
TAMPA, Fla. — After a series of salary cap-saving measures last week, the Buccaneers are signing one of their top free agents in cornerback Jamel Dean, who will remain in Tampa on a four-year contract worth $52 million. Sources told ESPN.
Dean’s new contract follows Bucs’ restructuring deals for defensive tackle Vita Vea, wide receiver Chris Godwin, cornerback Carlton Davis III, center Ryan Jensen and receiver Russell Gage, who agree to a pay cut. Left tackle Donovan Smith, running back Leonard Fournette and tight end Cameron Brate were also released. Those moves helped the Bucs erase the $55 million they were over the cap.
After three seasons working his way into the mix in the Buccaneers’ high school, Dean clinched a top 2 role in 2022, starting 15 games and finishing with 2 interceptions and 8 pass breakups.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Dean, who turned 26 in October, allowed 386 yards as a closest defender — the fifth shortest among players with at least 60 goals. He also allowed a completion percentage of 46.6. He ended the season with a broken big toe.
Dean has the length and top speed to disrupt throwing windows in zone coverage or balancing the field against vertical concepts. He fits best as a third full-back in a zoning scheme where he can use his backcourt view to break the ball.
The Bucs selected Dean in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft from Auburn. With his 6-foot-1 frame and 4.30 40-yard dash — the second-fastest time at the NFL Combine that year — Dean immediately became one of the most physically gifted members of the Bucs in their defensive backfield, earning their third cornerback place in his rookie season.
In four NFL seasons, Dean has 7 interceptions and 41 pass breakups in 57 games from 38 starts. He only missed nine games.
That he’s reached that level is even more impressive considering he sustained a cruciate ligament tear in 2013 and a meniscus tear in 2014 while he was at Ohio State. After that, OSU medical staff didn’t think his knee would stand up to another college-level game, leading to Dean’s transfer to Auburn, where he was sidelined for the 2016 season after another knee surgery.