The NFL's offseason is heating up as teams look to make roster adjustments following the 2025 draft. Veteran players across the league are finding themselves on uncertain ground as rookies challenge their positions. The shift towards younger, more cost-effective talent is evident, with several prominent names facing pressure in the coming season.

Among those under scrutiny is Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks, who, despite a hefty contract, finds himself with rookie Jalen Milroe breathing down his neck. Similarly, Jadeveon Clowney of the Carolina Panthers may be at risk due to the arrival of new pass rushers. The Jaguars' Gabe Davis and the Buccaneers' Jamel Dean are also in precarious positions after uneven performances.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressed a pressing need in their secondary during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting cornerback Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame. With the Buccaneers' cornerback play being a major weakness last season, Morrison's versatility and skills in both man and zone coverage should significantly enhance their defense. At 6'1" and nearly 200 pounds, he boasts impressive physical attributes along with a solid track record, including nine interceptions in the past two seasons. However, concerns about his recovery from hip surgery linger, yet his potential impact as a ballhawk is undeniable.

The Buccaneers are banking on Morrison to provide competition for the starting cornerback role, particularly challenging Jamel Dean, who has struggled with injuries. Morrison was highly regarded prior to his surgery, and his performance in recent workouts has attracted attention from scouts. Draft analysts have rated his selection as an 'A', underscoring the hope that he can quickly adapt to the professional level and become a key player for Tampa Bay.

Defensive struggles have plagued the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with last season's interception count dropping to an alarming low of seven. Coach Todd Bowles emphasized the need to bolster cornerback depth, especially after trading Carlton Davis and facing injuries to players like Jamel Dean and Bryce Hall. The Bucs are poised to address their defensive needs in the upcoming draft, targeting standout cornerbacks such as Michigan's Will Johnson and Texas' Jahdae Barron.

Dean's underwhelming performance and injury history have raised concerns, leading to discussions about necessary improvements. The Bucs have limited depth in their secondary, relying heavily on inexperienced players. With promising prospects available, including Barron—who excelled in interceptions during his collegiate career—the Bucs must capitalize on this draft to revitalize their defense and return to playoff contention.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a critical decision with veteran cornerback Jamel Dean as free agency approaches. Dean's cap hit of $15.2 million in 2025 is hefty, especially compared to the Bucs' current $11.7 million in cap space. Despite his talent, Dean has not been a high-impact player, failing to be a shutdown corner and missing significant time due to injuries. The Bucs may find it more beneficial to keep him and seek budget-friendly options elsewhere rather than risking a significant dip in cornerback quality.

As the team prepares for the offseason, they must strategize on Dean’s future. While cutting him could help with cap relief, it might leave them vulnerable in the secondary. The Buccaneers' front office needs to weigh Dean's capabilities against their financial constraints, aiming for a balance that maintains competitive defense while managing the salary cap effectively.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their dominance in the NFC South by clinching the division title for the fourth straight season, but their performance in pass defense raised significant concerns. Ranking 30th in the NFL for passing yards allowed, the Buccaneers also struggled with interceptions and completion percentage, with opponents completing 66.4% of their passes. Injuries played a significant role, sidelining key defensive backs throughout the season. However, rookie Tykee Smith emerged as a promising player, earning recognition as a potential breakout star for 2025.

Despite the underwhelming performance of the Buccaneers' defense, there are reasons for optimism going into next season, particularly with the development of young talent like Smith. His impressive run-defense grade and ability to contribute significantly highlight the organization’s strength in drafting and talent development.