High Seas Unease For Jamel Dean?
March 9th, 2025
Man overboard?
Joe is confident there is consensus among Bucs fans that starting cornerback Jamel Dean isn’t worth the $12.5 million he’s slated to earn for the 2025 season.
Not enough picks, not enough health and not enough dawg in his game; but maybe Dean is worth $6 or $8 million?
If the Bucs cut Dean, they’ll save roughly $8.5 million in 2025 salary cap room. They’d also be a lot thinner at corner. Dean can play when he’s healthy, but he’s hurt too often for Joe’s taste.
Might the Bucs be negotiating with Dean on a pay cut before Wednesday’s start of the new league year?
“This Joe” would feel good about Dean coming back at less money and the Bucs also adding quality outside cornerback help.
Per Joe’s research, the Bucs have time. Dean’s 2025 contract is not guaranteed, so he might only score his current full salary by making the opening day roster. (See Michael Clayton’s September 2010 release.)
What intrigues Joe is that Dean is now on a Buccaneers-sponsored cruise in the Caribbean.
The team put its name on a fan-focused frolic on the high seas that ends tomorrow. Fans were promised a long list of player attendees in exchange for their cash. Dean was on the list.
Might Dean get thrown overboard the moment he steps off the boat? That sure would feel a little slimy.
Or are the Bucs waiting for Dean to be immersed in Bucs love and then hit him with a salary slash offer Monday evening?
Joe is very intrigued to see how the Bucs approach Dean’s status. And remember, the answer might not come until late August.
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