Tampa Bay Buccaneers reward 2022 draft gem that's been a crucial part of their defense, and the timing might be genius

Bucs reach an agreement with McCollum on a three-year deal, but with significant guaranteed money

While not a four- or five-year deal that some projected, it's at a solid AAV (average annual value) of $16 million for McCollum that gives him the generational wealth and security. Further, the percentage of guaranteed money - $35.4 million - is 73.8% of the deal, which is a high figure. So, while not top of the market, it's a lot guaranteed, and that speaks to the belief that general manager Jason Licht has in McCollum and his ability to stay on the field and contribute.

The deal is smart because the top cornerbacks in the NFL right now are earning at the $30 million AAV level. The cornerbacks at the bottom of the top 10 are earning $20 million. According to Spotrac, McCollum's new AAV is 21st in the league.

So, if McCollum develops into the player that the team hopes he can be - a top 10-15 type of player - then the Bucs will be getting him at a discount. And if he doesn't, the deal is for three years, and McCollum has already proven he's playing at a solid level. In three seasons, McCollum has tallied 162 total tackles, 27 passes defended and 2 interceptions. Last season, he set season highs in all three categories, respectively (80, 17, 2).

Few in the NFL are as good as Licht in drafting players and then rewarding them with life-changing money in a way that doesn't hurt the team long term. That's no small reason why the Buccaneers are going into this season seeking their fifth straight NFC South title and sixth straight playoff appearance.