Key Takeaways:
– Jamel Dean underperformed in the 2023 season after signing a four-year contract worth $52 million.
– Crucial blunders, including an endzone dropped interception and 29 games without a pick, have marked Dean’s season.
– Defensive back coach Kevin Ross insists Dean simply needs to ‘catch the ball,’ signaling an expected improvement in the 2024 season.
– Buccaneers have shown little leniencies towards underperforming players, as seen with the trade of Carlton Davis III.
– Dean has the 2024 season to prove his worth to the Buccaneers and save his career.
Seasonal Woes for Jamel Dean in 2023
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a remarkable run to the 2023 NFC South Division title, pulling off an unexpected triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card round. However, Jamel Dean, their cornerback who signed a $52 million contract for four years in March of 2023, did not share in their heroics. Dean’s disappointing season, marked by a dropped endzone interception and failing to nab an interception for 29 consecutive games, casts a shadow on his 2023 performance.
Missed Opportunities and Injuries
During the playoffs against the Detroit Lions, Dean dropped an interception that cost the Buccaneers significantly, allowing the Lions to score a field goal and lead 3-0. According to Matt Matera of Pewter Report, Dean needs to step up his game and demonstrate the ball hawk skills that justify a paycheck as hefty as his.
“He just isn’t getting his hands on the football enough, and when he does, he’s dropping would-be interceptions,” Matera stated, pointing out Dean’s missed chances. Further compounding his issues, Dean sat out five games due to injuries in the 2023 season.
Coach’s Expectations for Dean in 2024
Despite a challenging season, Tampa Bay’s cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross still believes in Dean’s potential. Ross acknowledges the importance of Dean improving his on-field performance, particularly his intercepting ability.
“Catch the ball,” was the straightforward advice Ross gave when asked about how Dean could turn his fortunes around in 2024. He emphasized that doing so could elevate Dean to Pro Bowl or even All-Pro status.
Must-Prove Season Looms for Dean
The Buccaneers have not shied away from making bold decisions with underperforming players. Davis III, Dean’s fellow cornerback, was traded to Detroit Lions. Therefore, the 2024 season is a must-show for Dean, who needs to justify his reputation and contract by making big plays, particularly interceptions.
Having just drafted one defensive back in the 2024 NFL draft, a safety, the spotlight remains on Dean to fill the interception void.
In terms of performance grading, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Dean scored 68.3 percent for the 2023 season. With the top 20 defensive backs in the league grading above 77 percent, Dean must work relentlessly to close the gap and live up to his $52 million contract.