Joe has to call a timeout on Todd Bowles.
Cornerback Jamel Dean played 92 games in Bowles’ defense, including the postseason, before the 2025 season kicked off. That’s six years of football for Tampa Bay — including six training camps and all kinds and early morning film study with Bowles and the seasoning that comes with being a starter on a Super Bowl team.
That’s a seasoned veteran with intricate knowledge of the defense. And Dean is a sharp guy, an entrepreneur who has spoken publicly about how much he used to enjoy math study.
Dean even got a massive contract extension before the 2023 season, a blessing from the front office that he was a trustworthy veteran.
Yesterday, Dean turned 29 years old.
Today, Bowles was asked why Dean is playing some of his best football this season. Bowles’ response sounded like the head coach was saying Dean is just starting to mature in his role.
“I mean, it clicks. It takes a few years to get it all down and become a seasoned vet,” Bowles replied.
“He’s healthier, No. 1. When he was healthy, he always played decent football. I think the mental part of it is clicking with the physical part right now and he’s not thinking as much. He’s playing ball and he feels free, and he’s doing a great job.”
Joe is happy for Dean, but it sure sounds wacky to hear Bowles’ first sentence describing a seven-year veteran. Joe supposes it’s possible Dean has been slow to mature and he really is now finding his best groove.
If so, the Bucs are going to have a heck of a decision to make in the offseason on Dean, after paying fellow cornerback Zyon McCollum a king’s ransom and drafting two cornerbacks.