Buccaneers are giving CB Jamel Dean a four-year, $52 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
Despite their salary cap woes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are keeping one of their top free agents, cornerback [autotag]Jamel Dean[/autotag], according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Bucs are reportedly signing Dean to a four-year, $52 million deal.
Dean was Tampa’s most reliable and possibly even their best cornerback last season. He allowed only 50% of passes targeting him to be completed and missed just 1.9% of his tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.
When the offseason began, it appeared likely the Bucs would have to let Jamel Dean walk. They were $56 million over the cap and he appeared to be among the most coveted defensive backs hitting the free agent market. Instead, they manage to keep Dean on a cost-efficient deal averaging $13 million per year.
This deal is likely one of very few big moves the Bucs will be able to make in free agency. Even though they will start the league year cap compliant, they will still have to make additional moves to accommodate Dean, sign their draft class and sign any other free agents to fill in the gaps.