After being in several trade rumors, it looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have a cut candidate in cornerback Jamel Dean before the 2025 regular season. According to a report, the team spent some of their draft picks upgrading the secondary unit after drafting Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. There might not be any room for Dean, who hasn’t been productive due to multiple injuries. Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Auburn product might be playing his last year anyway, and if the Buccaneers sustain a losing season, they should send him to a new team.
However, it’s hard to imagine they would release him, considering the team’s need for veteran leadership in the cornerback department. Dean has been able to be the long-term cornerback, but he carries over a $15 million cap hit for the next two seasons. Tampa Bay may have chosen to keep him on the roster, but that could all change if he can’t help the secondary achieve greatness in the secondary unit. It might be better to release him before they run the risk of losing him during the 2025 campaign.
If the Buccaneers decide to cut him, these five teams could easily give him a one-year deal that fits their cap.
REPORT: Former Buccaneers Third Rounder Jamel Dean a Cut Candidate? – 5 Logical Next Teams
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
Last season, the Baltimore Ravens had one of the worst secondaries in the league. Now, they’re hoping to turn the page with Chidobe Awuzie and 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins. However, Awuzie is washed up, Wiggins isn’t ready for full-time duties, and Marlon Humphrey is the clear starter for this unit. Perhaps, they could salvage the secondary and trade for Jamel Dean before the season, so they have another veteran on their roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Chargers could use another cornerback in this unit. After losing Kristian Fulton, they made up for it, signing Donte Jackson to a two-year deal. However, Cam Hart can only do so much in year two, so they may trade for a veteran like Dean.
Washington Commanders
This destination may seem logical for Dean since the Commanders are testing the waters after losing Benjamin St-Juste. Marshon Lattimore will have to prove he can be their long-term starter, but he may need a capable veteran to help him. Dean is more than capable of being the veteran insurance the Commanders need.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints should be the most hungry for a cornerback this upcoming season. They couldn’t afford to keep Lattimore due to injuries and cap space, so they sent him to Washington. The same case was for Paulson Adebo, who they lost in free agency after suffering injuries himself. Kool-Aid McKinstry can’t save this entire secondary unit alone, so Dean could help lessen the stress for him and Alontae Taylor.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Panthers have done a phenomenal job of solidifying their secondary. Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson are the two lockdown corners for this department and signed an explosive safety, Trevon Moehrig. There’s no such thing as too many cornerbacks, and Dean could fit into their defensive scheme as a backup.
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