Just last week the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their defensive front. They’ve locked up a three-year, $48 million contract with cornerback Zyon McCollum. This agreement secures $35.4 million in funding. In doing so, McCollum will remain a member of the Blazers until at least the conclusion of the 2028 season.
McCollum’s impressive performance during the 2024 season played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ decision to extend his contract. QB Anthony Richardson started all 17 games this year. Even with this added push to throw beyond the sticks, he posted a completion percentage of only 57.4%, his worst in three years. His elite cornerback tools were too hard to ignore, evidenced by his hands with two interceptions and 17 pass breakups on the season. On top of that, he added 82 total tackles.
One of the high points of McCollum’s rookie campaign happened in the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints. With only 47 seconds remaining, the Buccaneers were holding on to a thin one-point margin. McCollum then rose to the occasion a second time, making a huge third-and-5 pass breakup. This play was instrumental for the Buccaneers to continue to separate themselves. It set the stage for the franchise’s fourth straight division title. In addition to those rookie achievements, McCollum’s play assisted veteran wide out Mike Evans in earning his 11th consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards.
In Week 2 of the 2024 season, McCollum was a key player in the Buccaneers’ shocking 20-16 upset of the favored Detroit Lions. He picked off a pass that changed the game in Tampa Bay’s favor. He not only put up monster numbers during the season, but did so at an extremely efficient level. In testament to these efforts, he won the Pro Football Writers of America Tampa Chapter’s “Good Guy Award” for his professionalism and camaraderie.
Chosen in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, McCollum made quite the impact from day one. Despite being an undrafted rookie, he quickly established himself as a starter during the 2023 season, taking over for injured teammates Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean. His tenacity and athletic talent have made him an indispensable part of the Buccaneer defensive nucleus.
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