Fansided

Ranking every player on the Steelers free agency board

By Kinnu Singh

Aug 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) looks on during a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) looks on during a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 18: Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after catching an interception during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 18, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 18: Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after catching an interception during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 18, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

4. Jamel Dean, CB

Back in November, Still Curtain’s Casey Sadekoski paired the Steelers with who he insisted is ” far and away the best cornerback prospect in free agency”: Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean.

“He is in his prime and would give Pittsburgh a true No. 1 corner that has been battle-tested and can handle almost any receiver in the game 1-on-1,” Sadekoski wrote.

This is exactly why the 25-year-old Dean has popped up as one of the top players available in NFL free agency in 2023, even though Dean hasn’t necessarily made a big name for himself while in Tampa. While a lion’s share of the Buccaneers’ spotlight was squarely focused on Tom Brady, Dean spent the 2022 season as the team’s top cornerback as he quietly enjoyed a solid season.

Dean has proven that he can lead an NFL secondary, and good cornerbacks always seem to be in short supply around the league. Dean ranks No. 17 on the NFL’s list of Top 101 Free Agents of 2023, and if his teammate Carlton Davis’ contract of $45 million for three years is an indication of anything, it’s that teams should be able to make competitive offers to follow up Dean’s meager rookie contract. If the Steelers are savvy, they can make a play and secure the cornerback position.

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