The Steelers and former Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean agreed to a three-year, $36.75 million deal on the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period Monday.
On Tuesday, Over the Cap reported the structure of Dean’s contract in Pittsburgh, and it’s impressively team friendly.
Dean has a $1.5 million salary in 2026, and along with his pro-rated $12 million signing bonus, he’ll have just a $5.5 million cap hit in Year 1.
Dean will earn a $4 million roster bonus on the third day of the league year
in 2027, where his cap hit will jump to $16 million. However, if cut after his first season he’ll come with $8 million in dead cap.
In 2028, Dean’s cap hit will drop to $15.25 million with just $4 million in dead cap if released. At no point is he projected to cost more than 5% of the team’s cap space.
You can view the full contract details here on OTC.
Dean is turning 30 in 2026 and has struggled to stay healthy for full seasons, but his contract is easy to get out of in future years, lessening the risk. In 2025 with Tampa Bay, he logged 38 total tackles, three interceptions, and nine passes defensed.
