Rick Stroud's clear message highlights Jamel Dean's standout season
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cornerback Jamel Dean is having a standout season, and everyone is noticing. Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud tuned in his opinion in response to his league-leading 29.7 passer rating allowed.
""A good reason not to take Jamel Dean off the field for 10 snaps a game to give reps to a rookie.""
Rick Stroud
That rookie is cornerback Jacob Parrish, who has struggled at times this season. Parrish boasts a 69.2 completion percentage allowed, above league average. The rookie certainly isn't elite yet, but he has played 67% of defensive snaps this season.
Another rookie corner back receiving playing time in Dean's stead is Benjamin Morrison. Despite a strong season, Morrison has played just six games due to injury. The 2025 second round selection has just allowed 58% of completions his way, but struggles against the deep ball.
His 108 passer rating allowed and 15.2 yards per target highlight this struggle. On the other hand, you have Dean, whose 45.9 completion percentage against leads the team by a wide margin. Dean hasn't allowed a touchdown yet this season and has recorded three interceptions.
Shockingly, Dean hasn't played much more than Parrish. His 75% of defensive snaps played is second among cornerbacks to Zyon McCollum's 100%. For some reason, Dean has played 80% or more defensive snaps just twice in eight games this season. Taking your elite defensive back off the field is odd in any situation, but especially with how well he's playing.
Rick Stroud's clear message highlights Jamel Dean's standout season
The veteran cornerback is in his seventh elite season in Tampa Bay. Throughout his career, he's allowed a 57.5% completion percentage and grabbed eleven interceptions, but somehow, never been elected to a Pro Bowl.
The 29-year-old leads a strong cornerback room that has been successful in stopping the pass this season. Despite elite efforts, the Bucs rank 24th in pass yards allowed per game. This is not the cornerbacks' fault, as the linebacker core is a proven liability against the pass.
Moving forward, retaining Dean is key to continuing to lead the corner back room, but Tampa Bay made that harder on itself. In September, the Buccaneers restructured Dean's contract to give cap space, but it will end a year sooner.
Dean will become a free agent after this season, and Bucs fans will hope to retain him. Unfortunately, his $4.5 million restructured salary will likely not repeat itself, despite entering his age-30 season. For reference, the Bucs were originally paying him $12.5 million this year.
Regardless of contract questions, Dean is an elite cornerback the Bucs are thankful to have. If he continues this production, he could easily be an All-Pro by the end of the season. One thing's for sure: head coach Todd Bowles must keep Dean on the field for continued success.
'He Will Do Just Fine in Free Agency': Here’s How Much Breece Hall Could Command in Free Agency
Breece Hall projects to be one of the top running back commodities in the 2026 free agent class , and evaluators expect him to command a lucrative multi‑year deal. Sources tracking the market point to a contract in the neighborhood of Josh Jacobs’ four‑year, $48 million pact as a realistic benchmark for Hall.
Hall’s value increased after the Jets resisted trading him at the deadline and then leaned on him during a late‑season stretch. He has shown three‑down ability, producing as a runner, receiver and occasional passer, traits that boost his price in an era when true all‑purpose backs are scarce. Teams that view the running back position as integral to their offense will pay for Hall’s combination of explosiveness and versatility.
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) is able to hold onto the ball as he is taken down by the Dallas defense, Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Contract discussions will hinge on two key factors: projected annual value and deal structure. Given his age and usage profile, Hall is likely to draw offers that include guaranteed money up front and performance incentives tied to touches and durability. Some clubs may prefer a shorter, higher‑average annual value to limit long‑term risk, while others might present longer deals with built‑in protections against injury declines.
The Jets have options of their own. With ample cap space after deadline moves, New York can pursue a long‑term extension to keep Hall or use the franchise tag to retain him for another season while exploring a trade or longer negotiation. Both paths carry trade‑offs: an extension secures a core playmaker, while a tag provides time to evaluate draft and free‑agent alternatives.
Analysts note market dynamics will affect Hall’s final payday. If several teams enter a bidding war for a top back, the ceiling could rise above current comps. Conversely, a conservative market could push teams toward shorter, incentive‑heavy offers.
ESPN’s NFL Analysis Projects New York Jets Star Breece Hall’s Future in Free Agency Next Year
Oct 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) looks on from the sidelines after fumbling during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Hall is projected to be a coveted player when he hits free agency next year. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.
Hall was coveted at the trade deadline. That the Jets wanted a third-round pick in return for a running back reminds that Hall has top-end talent. And my sense is he will do just fine in free agency — think Josh Jacobs’ four-year, $48 million deal signed in March 2024 as a possibility. A few personnel evaluators thought that was a fair contract comp.
For Hall, performance down the stretch will be decisive. Strong finishers tend to extract more guarantees and longer terms. If he maintains his playmaking rate, Hall should emerge from free agency as one of the better‑paid running backs on the market.
Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) celebrates the win against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
The negotiating window will open in March, and teams with clear offensive plans will be the most dangerous suitors. Hall’s next contract will reflect both his on‑field impact and how franchises currently value elite three‑down runners.
Nov 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (9) and safety Ronnie Hickman (33) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
