Jamel Dean Leaves Buccaneers for Steelers in Pursuit of Another Super Bowl

The cornerback signs a three-year deal with Pittsburgh in search of a championship.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:33pm

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Cornerback Jamel Dean, who won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, has left the team to sign a three-year, $36.75 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dean cited his desire to "chase another Super Bowl" as the reason for his departure, believing the Steelers give him a better chance to win another championship than the rebuilding Buccaneers.

Why it matters

Dean's exit leaves the Buccaneers with fewer players from their 2020 Super Bowl-winning roster, as he joins wide receiver Mike Evans in departing Tampa Bay this offseason. The Buccaneers will now have to find a way to replace Dean's production in their secondary, either through the draft or free agency.

The details

In three seasons with the Buccaneers, Dean started 35 games and recorded 7 interceptions. He was a key part of the team's defense that helped them win the Super Bowl in 2020. However, with the Buccaneers facing a roster overhaul, Dean decided to pursue another championship opportunity with the Steelers, who have not won a playoff game in nine years.

  • Jamel Dean signed a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 13, 2026.
  • The Buccaneers and Steelers are scheduled to play each other at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay during the 2026 NFL season, though the exact date is not yet determined.

The players

Jamel Dean

A cornerback who won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 and has now signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike Evans

A wide receiver who also departed the Buccaneers this offseason, signing with the San Francisco 49ers in an effort to win another Super Bowl before the end of his career.

Tristan Wirfs

One of the few remaining players from the Buccaneers' 2020 Super Bowl-winning roster, playing left tackle for the team.

Antoine Winfield Jr.

A safety who was also part of the Buccaneers' 2020 championship team and is still on the roster.

Vita Vea

A nose tackle who was a key member of the Buccaneers' defense during their 2020 Super Bowl run and is still with the team.

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What they’re saying

“All we do is win here. I'm at the point of my career where I'm trying to chase another Super Bowl.”

— Jamel Dean (Pittsburgh Steelers)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to determine how to replace Jamel Dean in their secondary, either through the draft, free agency, or by promoting a younger player already on the roster.

The takeaway

Jamel Dean's departure from the Buccaneers highlights the challenges of maintaining a championship-caliber roster in the NFL, as key players from the team's 2020 Super Bowl win have now left in search of another title elsewhere.