NFL veteran cornerback Jamel Dean has signed a new contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dean, a former third-round pick, spent the entirety of his professional career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Out of nowhere, the #Bucs step in and retain one of their top defenders. A major move. https://t.co/5yIuumXBqv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023
Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Agree to Contract
2022 marked perhaps the best season of Jamel Dean’s young career. Starting and appearing in all 15 games, the cornerback finished the season with two interceptions, eight passes defended, 57 tackles, and one tackle-for-loss. With his help, the Buccaneers made it to the playoffs for the third consecutive season. However, unlike the previous two years, this time the team went one-and-done, losing in blowout fashion to the Dallas Cowboys.
Jamel Dean originally entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Auburn product started his career as a role player in the secondary. Splitting playing time, the rookie appeared in 13 games, making five starts while recording two interceptions, 17 passes defended, 21 tackles, and one tackle-for-loss.
Dean built on this promising rookie season to help form one of the best secondaries in football. Playing in 14 games while making seven starts, the cornerback finished his second season in the league with one interception, 62 tackles, and two tackles-for-loss. With Tom Brady in town, the Buccaneers made it to the playoffs for the first time in Dean’s career, winning four straight postseason games en route to defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
Jamel Dean’s role remained the same in 2021, as he appeared in 15 games (11 starts) while recording two interceptions, nine passes defended, 62 tackles, and two tackles-for-loss. Once again, Tampa Bay made it to the playoffs, but this time they lost in heartbreaking fashion to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
Since signing his rookie contract, Jamel Dean has appeared in 57 games while making 38 starts. During his time on the field, the Auburn product has recorded seven interceptions, 41 passes defended, 193 tackles, and six tackles-for-loss.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports
