Jamel Dean’s Future With The Buccaneers Is Uncertain

Cornerback Jamel Dean’s time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be nearing an end, according to recent reports.

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report suggests that Jamel Dean may be a trade candidate for the Buccaneers this offseason.

“In 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Jamel Dean to a four-year, $52 million contract that included $24.5 million in guarantees. However, he has struggled to stay healthy and made few game-changing plays.”

“Over the last two years, the 28-year-old has missed nine contests because of injury and logged 11 pass breakups and one interception while allowing the highest passer rating rates (111 and 91.2) in his six-year career.”

“The Buccaneers signed Dean to an extension in his prime, but his production has been minimal, and his recent injury history raises some concern.”

“ESPN’s Jenna Laine noted that his spotty availability may be why the Bucs move on from him. If so, a team could acquire Dean in hopes that he will stay healthy. However, it could also cut him without any financial strings attached because his contract doesn’t carry any guaranteed money into the new league year.”

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Injury issues have plagued Jamel Dean over the past two seasons, causing him to miss nine games. As a result, the Buccaneers have reportedly grown frustrated with the veteran cornerback’s lack of availability.

Dean’s performance over the past two seasons hasn’t quite matched the expectations that come with his contract, leaving Tampa Bay’s coaching staff underwhelmed by his statistical output.

Over the past two seasons, Jamel Dean’s production has been underwhelming, with just 11 pass breakups and one interception. His performance has also been marked by a career-high passer rating allowed, falling short of the takeaway expectations for a cornerback.

While the Buccaneers could opt to release Jamel Dean and clear cap space, he still holds value to the team. A more likely scenario might involve restructuring his contract to make it more cap-friendly, giving Dean an opportunity to rebound and prove his worth.

If a restructured deal isn’t feasible, the Buccaneers could explore trading Jamel Dean to another team as Moton suggested in exchange for draft capital, effectively ending his tenure in Tampa.