The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have developed a knack for paying defensive backs big money and watching their play drop off almost immediately.
Cornerback Carlton Davis signed a 3-year, $44.5 million contract extension in 2022 and was traded to the Detroit Lions a few miserable seasons later.
Cornerback Jamel Dean signed a 4-year, $52 million contract extension in 2023 and the team was so unhappy with his play they negotiated a way for him to become a free agent after this season instead of playing out his deal.
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. signed a record-setting 4-year, $84.1 million contract extension before the 2024 season and responded by missing a career-high 8 games.
Cornerback Zyon McCollum signed a 3-year, $48 million on September 5 and had arguably the worst season of his pro career as he missed 5 games and ended the season on injured reserve.
McCollum’s deal might be the worst of the bunch, and puts the Buccaneers in a financial bind they might not be able to get out of … even if they should try to do so at the earliest possible opportunity.
McCollum’s Failings on Full Display in 2025
The Buccaneers made a move to pay McCollum like an elite cornerback and he went about showing them all the ways he was very much not that player.
In a 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12, McCollum’s struggles were in the spotlight after veteran wide receiver Davante Adams burned him for 2 easy touchdowns.
“The result was predictable, with the Rams taking complete advantage of the Tampa Bay secondary,” The Pewter Plank’s Josh Crysler wrote on November 24. “The main victim, especially throughout the first half was Zyon McCollum, who has been a massive disappointment after signing a three-year, $48 million contract last offseason. McCollum, on seven targets, surrendered six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. The Rams consistently picked on him in coverage, and whether in zone or man coverage, McCollum and the Bucs defense as a whole had zero answers.”
McCollum received a 63.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, putting him 54th out of 114 eligible NFL cornerbacks.
“Zyon McCollum is literally finding new ways to allow opponents to score points every week,” A to Z Sports NFL Editor Evan Winter wrote on X on December 11. “McCollum is getting paid like a starting corner yet he’s playing like a practice squad player (with all due respect).”
“Zyon McCollum’s turbulent and disappointing season comes to an end by being put on injured reserve,” Bucs Wire’s EMT Ashlie wrote on X on December 15. “BENJAMIN MORRISON WHAT YOU GOT FOR ME ROOK.”
“Zyon McCollum is one of the worst corners in the sport — making Top 22 corner money… and Y’all are pissed at (Winfield) for making $5M more per year?!” Salty Buccaneer wrote on their official X account.
McCollum’s Contract is Financial Nightmare
Even if Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht were to pull off a minor miracle and find a trade partner for McCollum, they would still incur a staggering dead cap hit of $17.8 million in 2026.
Which means they’re almost certainly stuck with him for one more season.
After 2026, the Buccaneers can try to find a trade partner for McCollum (not likely) or just cut him with little penalty as the dead cap number drops to approximately $2.1 million.
Buccaneers Urged to Part Ways With $48 Million Starter