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Jamel Dean celebrates his first of two pick-sixes so far this year.
Just on face value, it seems the Bucs are hellbent on running off Jamel Dean.
Yeah, Joe admits he got fed up with Dean missing so much time, especially in the playoffs in recent years. If a starting corner cannot answer the bell for a team’s most important games, what’s the point?
So the Bucs drafted two corners this spring and strong-armed Dean to take a massive pay cut and contract cut. Or else. He’s now in a contract year.
Dean has responded, easily playing his best ball since the Bucs won the Super Bowl for the 2020 season. He has three (!) picks in the past four games! Yet Dean is in a rotation. Weird for a starting corner whose play has been fire the past month.
> “It don’t really bother me,” Dean said of the rotation with rookie Benjamin Morrison. “I just take advantage of the opportunities.”
Asked if one of the opportunities is to take a breather, Dean busted out laughing. “That too.”
Joe asked Dean if he could tell a difference with his play in the fourth quarter by being in a rotation.
> “It really doesn’t make a difference,” Dean said. “It’s like, ‘Alright.'”
As for going from a target of fans’ ire to slowly becoming a fan favorite for his strong play, Dean said he is enjoying his rebirth.
> “It’s a great feeling,” Dean said. “I bet on myself. I take it very personal.”
And maybe that’s what Dean needed? A kick in the behind (or wallet) to reignite his career?