The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a critical decision with veteran cornerback Jamel Dean as free agency approaches. Dean's cap hit of $15.2 million in 2025 is hefty, especially compared to the Bucs' current $11.7 million in cap space. Despite his talent, Dean has not been a high-impact player, failing to be a shutdown corner and missing significant time due to injuries. The Bucs may find it more beneficial to keep him and seek budget-friendly options elsewhere rather than risking a significant dip in cornerback quality.

As the team prepares for the offseason, they must strategize on Dean’s future. While cutting him could help with cap relief, it might leave them vulnerable in the secondary. The Buccaneers' front office needs to weigh Dean's capabilities against their financial constraints, aiming for a balance that maintains competitive defense while managing the salary cap effectively.