Cornerback Jamel Dean isn’t going to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday when his current contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expires. But he’s still signing a big-money deal.

The former Auburn defensive back will remain with the Bucs on a contract extension rather than try free agency, NFL Network and ESPN reported on Monday. The Tampa Bay Times reported the deal would be for four years and $52 million.

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Dean had reached the end of his four-year, $3.559 million contract signed after Tampa Bay selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Forming a cornerback tandem with former Auburn teammate Carlton Davis, Dean started 15 games for the Buccaneers in 2022, when he had 57 tackles, two interceptions and eight passes defended.

In 57 regular-season games since Dean joined Tampa Bay, opposing quarterbacks have a 73.6 passing-efficiency rating when throwing against him.

Dean also has played in seven playoff games with the Bucs and started all four postseason games as Tampa Bay capped the 2020 season with a 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.

Dean tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in high school. He returned for his senior season but tore the meniscus in his right knee in his final prep game. After enrolling at Ohio State, the Buckeyes’ medical staff examined his knee and decided he wouldn’t be cleared to play football.

Dr. James Andrews determined Dean could return to the field with proper rehabilitation, but Ohio State stood by its decision.

Dean transferred to Auburn. After sitting out a season as a transfer, a knee injury sidelined him for another year.

Dean started at cornerback for Auburn in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Tampa Bay selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft after he ran a 4.30-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.