Jamel Dean Says He’s Been Helping Steelers’ Offense
October 16th, 2026
At least one Steelers defensive back has been handing Aaron Rodgers and his playcaller intel on the nuances of the Todd Bowles defense.
Bucs Super Bowl starting cornerback Jamel Dean now plays for the Steelers after seven seasons in a Tampa Bay uniform (2019-2025).
The Bucs were not interested in retaining Dean for this season and he got $10 million per year from Pittsburgh. In Tampa, Dean was very tight with Todd Bowles and was very tight with the Bucs’ head coach/defensive coordinator.
The Bucs host the Steelers on Sunday and, per ESPN Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor, Dean has been serving up potentially helpful guidance.
“It’s almost like one of the situations where the student finally goes against his teacher,” Dean said. “I gave [our offense] little nuggets of what could possibly happen. But knowing [Bowles], he’s probably planning for this right now, so won’t be much use.”
Joe wouldn’t shake off the Dean intel as useless. Dean was one of the smarter dudes on the Bucs. In fact, while playing for Tampa Bay, he built his own trucking company from the ground up and operated it as CEO — even during football season. If Rodgers asks Dean to explain something on film, Joe has no doubt Dean will provide quality information.
But defenses get tweaked and Dean wasn’t in Tampa this season. That’s why Joe is wondering what new Steelers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting might share with his new team. Pittsburgh plucked him from the Bucs’ practice squad two weeks ago.
October 16th, 2026 at 5:08 pm
Thats a shocker!
October 16th, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Todd wouldn’t run the same schemes, would he? That would be crazy. 🤔
October 16th, 2026 at 5:30 pm
Im sure Danny Smith has had some feedback
October 16th, 2026 at 5:31 pm
But he hurt.
October 16th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
They have probably seen anything he or anyone else can tell them on film already. No pressure. Most everyone drops back. Defense backs play at least 10 yards off receivers. No touching them plenty of open field easy pickings.
October 16th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
I hope he didn’t hurt his jaw or vocal cords talking about this.Very risky when we’re talking about Jamel “Dainty” Dean!
October 16th, 2026 at 5:52 pm
does anyone remember the possibly apocryphal story of Gruden working with defense of the 2002 Bucs before the Super Bowl with a notebook full of notes on the tendencies of Rich Gannon ? Chucky was running around the field like Gannon – so I guess previous familiarity with teams and players helps
October 16th, 2026 at 5:57 pm
If the Bucs are smart, they’ll throw CONSTANTLY at Dean. In about a quarter, he’ll be injured.
October 16th, 2026 at 6:15 pm
Todd Bowles prefers a 70s high school offense and complete 60 minute prevent defense. Most opposing high school coaches can tell you exactly what the Bucs will and won’t do 90% of the time. Imagine what opposing NFL staffs can do. They’re that predictable. When you’re Bowles predictable you can win with superior players, timing and luck. Jason makes sure the players are ‘nice’ but not too superior. Todd doesn’t game plan or coach. And losing breeds bad luck. The Bucs won at Dallas with two lucky plays. One, the dropped interception with a clear TD and the Azalone interception. Two unpredictable plays. Two very lucky plays.
October 16th, 2026 at 6:27 pm
Dean is probably telling Rodgers where the most comfortable places to sit and watch the rest of your team while you’re injured.
October 16th, 2026 at 6:32 pm
Thanksgiving came early this year. Rodgers is about to carve up some healthy slices off the bird.
Bowels cover no one scheme will ensure an easy day for the Steelers offense.
Remember, sacks don’t equal wins. 4-12 in the last 16 prove that to be true.
Todd is a guru.
October 16th, 2026 at 6:59 pm
Telling them Todd’s secrets !!!!! That’s great , then they won’t know what hit them when Todd’s ends actually rush the passer!
October 16th, 2026 at 7:12 pm
Better team that Sunday will win. Going with the home team. Pittsburgh 31 Tampa 13.
October 16th, 2026 at 7:14 pm
Big difference in scheme and a gameplan for a particular team. Only this fan base do they call the scheme too complex for players than talk about how easy it is for other teams to exploit it lol
Lost in the sauce