Despite the salary cap issues facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they made sure to make space to keep Jamel Dean.

The 26-year-old cornerback is re-signing with the Bucs for four years and $52million, according to multiple media reports.

Dean, considered among the best cornerbacks available in this year’s free agent class, made 53 total tackles last season with two interceptions.

Tampa Bay selected Dean in the third round of the 2019 draft out of Auburn. He has played 57 games for the Bucs over the last four seasons with seven interceptions and 41 pass breakups.

The move comes as a bit of a surprise after the franchise had appeared focused on cutting costs to get under the salary cap.

In money-saving moves earlier this offseason, the Buccaneers released a number of ageing veterans, including left tackle Donovan Smith, running back Leonard Fournette and tight end Cameron Brate.

Tampa Bay also restructured the contracts of key players like defensive tackle Vita Vea, wide receiver Chris Godwin and center Ryan Jensen.

This offseason will be key for the organization as it transitions to life without legendary quarterback Tom Brady.