Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean was all smiles when he came to the microphone after the team’s 2023 mandatory mini-camp wrapped up. And why shouldn’t he be smiling? Dean just inked a new, lucrative contract worth $52 million over four years to stay in Tampa Bay.

Dean was ranked 10th overall among corners on Pro Football Focus with a grade of 77.9. He’s made himself into one of the best cornerbacks in football, getting national recognition, especially during free agency. But with the peace of mind that comes with a new contract and remaining with the Bucs, Dean still has the “prove-it” mentality that got him where he is today, and he feels even better after finishing up this week of practice.

Bucs CBs Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I’m just trying to speed up my game,” Dean said. “I’m seeing the game better. I’m more confident now. I’m just looking forward to how the season goes.”

Jamel Dean Has Lofty Goals

While Jamel Dean has accomplished plenty in his career, including winning Super Bowl LV in 2020, there’s still a lot more left to do. He shared some of those aspirations and personal goals with the media on Thursday.

“I still believe that there’s still left to accomplish,” Dean said. “I’m not going to hold back, I’m still going to improve my game because I still want to get Pro Bowl and All-Pro under my belt. That’s my motivation to keep going and get better.”

As an entire unit, the Bucs’ secondary once again has an emphasis on creating takeaways. They dropped from 17 interceptions to just 10 picks last season, so there’s much room for improvement. Dean had two INTs last season and they both came in Week 2 in a road win against the Saints. Upping those number may lead him on the track to those Pro Bowl goals.

Tampa Bay’s secondary unit had a competition of who can get the most interceptions between the corners and the safeties last year. Dean plans to to start it up again soon.

“Most definitely,” Dean said. “I might have to start that up – like right now.”

Jamel Dean Still Claims He’s The Fastest Buccaneer

Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Jamel Dean, who ran an official 4.3 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2019, has always been known as one of the fastest players in the NFL and arguably the fastest on the Bucs. If you ask him, that hasn’t changed a bit.

“Most definitely – nobody’s keeping up with me,” he said.

But what about any newcomers such as speedy rookie wide receiver Trey Palmer?

Let’s just say Dean hasn’t exactly gotten the best look at him at yet.

“I don’t know – it’s kind of hard to see when people are behind me,” Dean laughed.