Buccaneers Extend DB Zyon McCollum

The last article I wrote, I talked about how Buccaneers Defensive Back Zyon McCollum has a lot riding on the season. I assumed the Bucs would wait till either some time during the season or after to re-sign him. However, they decided to do it now so to ward off his price increasing substantially.

Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, 

“Buccaneers and starting CB Zyon McCollum reached agreement today on a three-year, $48 million extension that includes $35.4 million guaranteed, per his agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. McCollum is now under contract through the 2028 season.”

It’s a three-year, $48 million extension that includes $35.4 million guaranteed. There are positives and negatives to this strategy, which is why I felt like writing about it unlike Luke Goedeke.

The biggest positive as I mentioned above is that doing this now means the deal is cheaper (take notes Jerry). He is the 21st highest paid corner in the NFL. Which, if he takes over as CB1, would be a dirt cheap deal. There is some smoke to this train of thinking. McCollum has taken leaps forward every single year, so it’s reasonable to think that such a leap will happen again.

However, my biggest concern is the inconsistency. Despite the progress being made, he still has lapses in coverage. This deal hinges on the idea he will continue to keep making strides. Something that is not guaranteed to happen. If he doesn’t, they’re stuck with another corner on a contract the team can’t move off.

Despite this being unexpected to me, I am happy McCollum got this deal. It’s three years for decent guaranteed money. Meaning he’ll have a chance for another big extension at 29. And I do think this deal will look really good for Bucs down the line. McCollum has gone from one of the rawest CB prospects to a mostly reliable starting corner. If he takes yet another big leap, then this is a downright steal.