Dolphins Trade Idea Nets Eight-Interception Buccaneers Cornerback

After the 2025 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins are left with a clear need in the secondary. Not only do the Dolphins need another cornerback, they might need two if Jalen Ramsey is traded. 

This trade idea has the Dolphins calling up their NFL neighbor in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to acquire cornerback Jamel Dean for a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dean is 28 years old and heading into the third year of a four-year contract. With the Buccaneers drafting two highly-rated cornerbacks in the draft, they would be open to moving Dean. Trading Dean after June 1st would save the Buccaneers over $10 million in cap space.

For the Dolphins, they desperately need cornerback depth at the worst, and starting caliber play at best. Dean would provide a six-year veteran cornerback for the Dolphins to put into their lineup every week.

Across his six seasons in the NFL, all with the Buccaneers, Dean has eight interceptions, including one pick-six. He's started 63 games during that span, and has totaled 52 passes defended, with 17 coming in his rookie season.

The former third-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft would join the Dolphins and become one of their starting outside cornerbacks. His contract in 2025 would be for $15.1 million, while his 2026 cap number would be for $15.7 million. 

Not only would Miami get a much-needed cornerback for 2025, but also have him around for 2026 if they want to keep him. If the Dolphins don't want to keep him for 2026, his contract is very movable.

Dean allowed 511 yards and one touchdown, along with the second-worst passer rating of his career at 91.2. His 2023 season was worse, as he allowed a 111.0 passer rating while giving up 484 yards and three touchdowns on ten fewer targets than in 2024.

His regression in 2024 has led to him becoming available. But, Dean would be the perfect fit in Miami. Regardless of wether Ramsey is still on the Dolphins, Dean would get the chance to start outside for the Dolphins in 2025 if this trade idea happens.