NFL.com Names Buccaneers' Biggest Offseason Priority in 2024

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers achieved a lot of things in the offseason, but finding Jamel Dean's opposite cornerback is the biggest remaining thing for the team to do.

David Harrison | May 24, 2024

Jan 16, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Robert Bowles talks with cornerback Jamel Dean (35) in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While many are criticizing or at least pointing out the lack of external free-agent efforts made by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, others are celebrating the ability to lock down so many key playmakers while operating within the NFL's salary cap restrictions.

One of the moves made by the Buccaneers this offseason was sending cornerback Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions ahead of April's NFL Draft.

The move facilitated others that will be seen as more important and worth the loss, but it also opened up a hole for Tampa Bay opposite of cornerback Jamel Dean. That hole, and need, is the biggest priority facing the Bucs in the offseason remaining according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra.

Jan 16, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Robert Bowles talks with cornerback Jamel Dean (35) in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

"The Bucs traded away Carlton Davis, believing they could cover up for the departure of the high-priced veteran," Patra writes. "Dean is a stud, but the question is who will man the opposite side and the nickel slot? Third-year pro Zyon McCollum gets the first shot at outside corner but had a roller-coaster year in 2023, when he got picked on at times but also tied for second on the Bucs in PBUs (nine). Christian Izien manned the slot last season and flashed, but he also occasionally got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Third-round rookieTykee Smith should be a candidate to play the nickel spot on Day 1. He has the feet to stick with slot receivers and a good nose against the run game. There is talent in the Bucs' secondary, but it's mostly unproven."

Fortunately for the Bucs, unproven is arguably the environment they thrive in the most.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.

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Published May 24, 2024

DAVID HARRISON

David Harrison has been in sports media since 2015 using written, audio, and video media to cover athletes, coaches, and games. In addition to covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for BucsGameday and Locked On Bucs he also covers the Washington Commanders for Commander Country and Locked On Commanders and the Washington Wizards for Inside the Wizards. David also covers the NFL as a whole as one of the Friday hosts for Locked On NFL. He is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and previously spent 20 years as an active member of the United States Army. Contact David via email at david.w.harrison82@gmail.com or on Twitter @DHarrison82.