It has been a few months since the Bucs traded Carlton Davis III to the Detroit Lions, making a huge change in Tampa Bay’s secondary . But, it’s the first time we were able to see the reaction from Davis’ close teammate Jamel Dean. The two players have been linked for a while, going back to their college playing days.
The duo spent three years at Auburn together, one year separated when Davis went to the NFL and then were reunited again for the next five years as each went on to be the top two corners for the Bucs. They also won a Super Bowl together.
So with Davis in Detroit, it’s the first time in a long time that Dean is playing in the secondary without a teammate that he’s so familiar with. Jamel Dean is currently getting to experience this during the Bucs’ OTA practices.
Jamel Dean Reflects On Carlton Davis III Trade
“It’s kind of a different feeling,” Jamel Dean said. “Knowing that I’ve been playing football with this man for X amount of years and to see him not here is like ‘Ahh.’ It’s kind of different without my buddy here.”
Of the whole Bucs’ roster, it’s arguably the biggest change to Tampa on either the offensive or defensive side. Devin White departed in free agency, but the Bucs had already found his replacement and he wasn’t starting at the end of the season. When healthy, Davis and Dean were always the guys at cornerback for the Bucs in the secondary.
While reading through the tea leaves it made sense for the Bucs to part ways with Davis and shed his contract, but it still comes as a surprise to the players. Jamel Dean walked us through his emotions when he first found out about the move.
“It caught me off guard,” Dean said. “I wasn’t even aware of all the stuff that was going on until I got a phone call. I looked on the news and it said that Carlton got traded, I was like ‘WHAT? Oh, okay. That’s random.’ Every day they always say it’s a business, so, okay.”
Going into the 2024 season, Dean becomes the elder statesman in a cornerback room that is either young or new to the Bucs team. He is the starter and by nature has to be a leader of the room because of it. Is there added pressure?
In reality, it’s still the same assignment.
“It’s really not much more pressure,” Dean added. “I know I still have to do my job and continue playing like I’ve been playing.”
With Jamel Dean covering one side, the likelihood is that Zyon McCollum will start on the other. However, some newcomers to the Bucs’ roster will have something to say about that.
Tampa Bay brought in Bryce Hall from the Jets and Tavierre Thomas from the Texans this offseason to cover all their bases from a depth aspect.
At nickel, Thomas can play in the spot and the Bucs will have options with Christian Izien and rookie Tykee Smith as well. Jamel Dean has welcomed the attitude and approach that all the new players have invested in since joining Tampa.
“I enjoy it. For the most part, everybody’s willing to learn. Most people are calm guys. They’re not afraid to ask questions. They want to be their best selves for this defense and they know it takes a lot. I appreciate them being determined and working hard at OTAs.”