Does Zyon McCollom Have A Big Game In Him?
November 23rd, 2025
Joe is very quietly getting bitter about the play of cornerback Zyon McCollum.
McCollum, 26, was handed a handsome contract extension/restructure over the summer, while fellow starting corner Jamel Dean got squeezed into a major pay cut. Joe understood the Bucs’ vision, reasoning and tactics, but McCollum hasn’t delivered.
McCollum is not a lockdown cornerback and has no interceptions and just four passes defenses this season; he had 17 last year.
The fourth-year corner has all the physical tools and what seems to be a great attitude. Perhaps he’s hit his ceiling? Joe hopes that’s not the case.
Last week, Todd Bowles described McCollum’s recent play as “average.” That’s nowhere near good enough.
The Bucs need an additional two or three guys on defense to step up tonight to have a shot at beating the Rams. Joe would put McCollum on that list, especially considering the Rams have stud receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Joe realizes teams seemingly have targeted McCollum less often this year, but Joe doesn’t suspect that will be the case tonight. There will be plays for McCollum to make (for a change).
Despite the new contract, Joe thinks McCollum has a lot to prove during the remainder of this season. If he can’t rise up, Joe thinks the Bucs should at least consider trading him in the offseason, especially if rookies Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison look good come January.
November 23rd, 2025 at 8:28 am
Won’t have a chance if 21 plays outside.
This is another rush to sign my guy by JL. 16 mil is a good amount for a corner. I like ZM, but I was surprised by the rush to sign him. If he left, we have 16 mil to work with next year.
I felt ZM is a streaky player. This year he’s not the same. Looks like he’s coasting..
November 23rd, 2025 at 8:33 am
Another swing and a miss by Licht.
November 23rd, 2025 at 8:36 am
If guys are getting “bored” during a game or show a lack of hustle then they need to be shown the door. We need tough, instinctive football players on defense, not brainiacs that get bored like they’re playing a chess game.
November 23rd, 2025 at 8:39 am
Signed him too fast and he hasn’t shown anything this year
November 23rd, 2025 at 8:45 am
I get the reasoning for signing players before their contract comes to end to save money before they command a kings ransom….sometimes it backfires
November 23rd, 2025 at 8:46 am
McCollum has shown his lack of willingness to tackle RBs. He’s had multiple opportunities to step up and make a tackle but continuously shies away. Look at the Lions, Pats and Bills games as examples if you think I’m just bashing him. Maybe he’s playing injured but that excuse is getting old with this team in general.
On the pass defense side, why would QBs target him when the likes of Nelson & Diaby are trying to cover RBs & WRs
November 23rd, 2025 at 8:53 am
He’s also looked a step slow this year too. His athleticism ain’t even showing up this season.