The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been one of the most intriguing teams to follow this offseason. They have a roster blending veteran leadership, rising young talent, and a front office determined to maintain competitiveness. As such, the Bucs entered the 2025 NFL free agency period facing several pivotal decisions. Now, the focus shifts to the next strategic move: executing the ideal trade to position the team for sustained success. That move? Trading cornerback Jamel Dean to acquire valuable draft capital.
A Recap of the Buccaneers’ 2025 NFL Free Agency Frenzy
Tampa Bay’s free agency period has been a whirlwind. Once again, however, the franchise showcased why it remains one of the NFL’s most savvy organizations. Reportedly, the New England Patriots were prepared to offer free agent wide receiver Chris Godwin up to $30 million per year to become Drake Maye’s top target. However, Godwin chose to stay in Tampa Bay on a three-year, $66 million deal ($22 million average per year salary). This left a significant sum on the table to continue catching passes from Baker Mayfield. Mayfield, who was once on the brink of becoming an NFL journeyman, has now cemented himself as a quarterback worth staying for. That's one reason the Pro Bowl-caliber Godwin turned down nearly $10 million more annually to remain by his side. They also just signed WR Sterling Shepard earlier this week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay also wasted no time securing pass rusher Haason Reddick. Yes, the former Jet registered just one sack in 2024. That said, he previously recorded at least 11 sacks in four consecutive seasons with three different teams. That included a career-best 16 sacks and five forced fumbles in 2022. Reddick tallied 50.5 sacks from 2020 to 2023. That ranked fourth in the NFL during that span. His addition represents a high-upside gamble that could reinvigorate the Buccaneers' pass rush.
The Buccaneers are now focused on fortifying their defensive secondary after a season plagued by inconsistency. Improving this area has become a top priority for the team as they explore options to make meaningful upgrades in the coming months.
Here we'll try to look at the perfect trade that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must complete after the 2025 NFL free agency frenzy.
Moving Jamel Dean for Draft Capital
With the early free agency frenzy behind them, the Buccaneers must now turn their attention to another crucial roster decision. They need to see how to maximize their assets and build for the future. One move that makes perfect sense is trading cornerback Jamel Dean. Sure, Dean has been an integral part of Tampa Bay’s defense for several seasons. However, now is the ideal time for the franchise to capitalize on his value and strengthen its long-term outlook.
A potential deal that has emerged involves sending the veteran cornerback to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. This move would provide Tampa Bay with an additional asset that could be used to address their secondary needs. They can also leverage it in a future trade. Yes, losing Dean’s experience and leadership is not an easy decision. Still, the Buccaneers appear ready to take a calculated risk that could lead to long-term defensive improvements.
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By exploring this trade, Tampa Bay signals a commitment to restructuring its defensive unit with fresh talent. Sure, Dean has been a reliable presence in the secondary. However, acquiring a draft pick would offer the team both flexibility in the upcoming draft. It would also give them a chance to inject youth into a unit that needs reinforcements.
Why Trading Dean Makes Sense for Tampa Bay
Recent mock drafts have consistently linked the Buccaneers to several promising cornerback prospects. These include Maxwell Hairston, Darien Porter, and Shavon Revel. If Tampa Bay selects a cornerback in the draft, moving on from Dean would declutter the depth chart. It would also providing financial relief.
Of course, Dean remains a quality cornerback. Still, history suggests that defensive backs typically begin to decline around the age of 30. Waiting too long to trade him could mean losing him for significantly less value. By making a move now, the Buccaneers ensure they sell high while he is still playing at a strong level.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) celebrates after a fumble recovery in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Yes, Tampa Bay’s roster is built to compete in the present. That said, every great franchise must balance immediate success with long-term sustainability. Trading Dean for draft capital would allow the Buccaneers to continue replenishing their talent pipeline. It would also ensure that they remain contenders even as their current core ages.
Final Thoughts
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made strategic moves to maintain their competitiveness in the 2025 season, but the work is far from over. Trading Jamel Dean would be a proactive step toward securing the team’s long-term success, providing valuable draft capital and ensuring the defense remains a strength for years to come. While difficult, this decision aligns with the Buccaneers’ need to balance present-day aspirations with future roster sustainability. If Tampa Bay wants to stay ahead of the curve, moving Dean now is the perfect trade to complete after the 2025 NFL free agency frenzy.