Bucs’ Zyon McCollum wants to begin talks on a new contract

TAMPA — Zyon McCollum has played like one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Now he wants to be paid like one.

Entering the final year of his contract, McCollum doesn’t shy away from talking about how his looming free agency in March will motivate him this season.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus, who visited the Bucs and met with assistant general manager Mike Greenberg a couple weeks ago, is expected to exchange proposals soon.

“I let it creep in so it can motivate me and I can continue to play with that chip on my shoulder,” McCollum said of his contract status. “I’m only human. I’m not going to block out everything.”

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McCollum, 26, may prove to be one of general manager Jason Licht’s best draft picks, which is saying something. A fifth-round pick from Sam Houston State in 2022, McCollum struggled early to adjust to the bright lights of the NFL as a rookie.

But once he was pressed into action, he has developed into the Bucs’ most consistent cover cornerback. Last season he recorded the first two interceptions of his career and added a career-high 17 passes defensed while recovering a fumble.

Even more impressively, McCollum has been productive while being used at both left and right cornerback.

Oft-injured starter Jamel Dean has two years left on a contract that averages $13 million per year. But the Bucs have a potential out following the 2025 season. Dean has missed nine games the past two seasons.

The Bucs addressed the cornerback position in the draft this year, taking Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison in the second round and Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish in the third. Both players appear to be ready to make a big contribution as rookies and could emerge as starters soon.

“One hundred percent, this is probably the most competitive room that I’ve been in since I’ve been here,” McCollum said. “Adding two guys like that, who come in and play with that fire right off. It lights a fire in everybody. … I know I can confidently say that we all come out here knowing that we have to be at the top of our game in order to stick around.”

McCollum is among the most athletic players in the NFL. At the NFL combine, he had one of best workouts ever. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, had a vertical jump of 39.5 inches and a broad jump of 11 feet.

Now his knowledge of the game has caught up to his considerable physical traits.

“He’s gotten better all three years,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “He’s been athletic his whole life, but he’s understanding the game, and it’s slowed down for him.”

Estimates on a new contract for McCollum currently calls for a three-year, $48 million deal, or $16 million per year.

McCollum has spent time in training camp playing nickel cornerback and that versatility may allow him to travel with the opponent’s best receiver.

“I love it. It allows me to up my versatility in terms of playing a lot of these bigger receivers and when they move their best players into the slot,” McCollum said. “You know, Atlanta, they like to move (Drake London) around a lot. Anytime I’m able to get (better) playing in the slot, right side, left side, it just allows the versatility in me to match up a lot better.”

McCollum has more motivation than a new contract. His twin brother, Tristin, is a reserve safety for the Super Bowl champion Eagles.

“Being in New Orleans (for the Super Bowl), and our team going to New Orleans every year, I felt we should be right here,” McCollum said. “And just seeing how the game unfolded, I knew we still had a lot left in us, and I knew I needed to convey that message and that feeling that I felt with my teammates today. We need to take everything from the very beginning, very seriously, to make that next step.”

A new deal should follow. But McCollum isn’t the Bucs’ only starter who is a pending free agent. The list includes receiver Mike Evans and right tackle Luke Goedeke.

What’s it like to be Chris Godwin? Ask Bryce Hall

Bucs receiver Chris Godwin still is recovering from a dislocated ankle and leg fracture he sustained last season. He still hasn’t joined his team in training camp and isn’t expected to be ready for the regular-season opener.

If anyone knows what Godwin is going through, it’s defensive back Bryce Hall. In last year’s season opener, Hall dislocated his ankle and is now attempting to earn a roster spot.

“We talk all the time, especially early on during the rehab process (when) we were in there together,” Hall said of Godwin. “He has such a great mindset, great perspective, and I think that is what carries him. We are rooting for each other. … You kind of have a special connection with guys when you have a similar journey, in a similar path.

“I think Chris is doing everything he needs to do. I am not even worried about him when he gets back out here, he is going to crush it. Just his mindset, his perspective, his approach to everything — there is no coincidence he has had the career he has had.”

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Bucs’ Zyon McCollum wants to begin talks on a new contract

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