Kim Klement, USA Today
Buccaneers Re-Signing Cornerback Jamel Dean to New Four-Year Deal Worth $52 Million
The new league year hasn't started yet, but already the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offseason is turning north.
After Tom Brady's retirement cost the Bucs nearly $40 million in salary cap space and the team's starting quarterback, many expected a mass exodus of free agents.
One of those players expected to depart Tampa Bay was cornerback Jamel Dean who instead agreed to re-sign with the team on Monday.
READ MORE: Bucs 'Expected' to Pursue Former No. 1 Overall Pick
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the new contract is a four-year deal worth $52 million.
Dean was originally drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Auburn.
Along with Sean Murphy-Bunting, he was one of two cornerbacks taken by the team and one of three defensive backs along with safety Mike Edwards out of Kentucky.
Dean's career got off to an infamously rocky start that included a terrible outing against the Seattle Seahawks in a 40-34 loss during his rookie season.
READ MORE: Buccaneers OT Tristan Wirfs Preparing for New Quarterback
Soon after, however, stories of Dean putting in extra work with then defensive coordinator Todd Bowles surfaced, and his play has steadily increased ever since.
In four seasons Dean has started 38 of the 57 games he's played including 26 in the last two seasons alone.
Meanwhile, Murphy-Bunting has started just 13 games over the past two years after 23 in his first two.
Retaining Dean to play opposite cornerback Carlton Davis III gives the Bucs a solid starting duo of outside cornerbacks, and lessens the need for the team to target the position on Day 1 of the upcoming NFL Draft.
Still, with 2022 rookie Zyon McCollum struggling in limited action Tampa Bay could certainly look to add to the group as early as Day 2.
Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82
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