Buccaneers, Zyon McCollum agree to 3-year, $48 million contract extension

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are wasting no time locking down their young core. After handing right tackle Luke Goedeke a hefty four-year, $90 million extension earlier this week, the front office turned around and secured cornerback Zyon McCollum on Friday.

Both players, selected in the 2022 draft, were entering the final year of their rookie contracts. The Bucs got ahead of the curve, finalizing McCollum’s new three-year deal worth $48 million, with a strong $35.4 million guaranteed, just days before their Week 1 clash with the Atlanta Falcons.

It’s another proactive move from Tampa Bay, ensuring two key pieces stay put as the franchise looks to build momentum heading into 2025.

At 26 years old, Zyon McCollum is gearing up for his fourth year in the NFL, and he’s done all of his work in a Buccaneers uniform — a trend that looks set to continue thanks to his new extension. Each season has seen him take another step forward, steadily carving out a bigger role in Tampa Bay’s defense.

The 2024 campaign marked a true breakout for McCollum. He snagged the first two interceptions of his career and set personal bests across the board — racking up 17 pass breakups, 82 total tackles, 55 of them solo, along with 17 assists. Those numbers underline just how valuable he’s become, and it’s no surprise the Buccaneers were eager to lock him in for the long haul.

The Buccaneers are shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the new season. Tampa Bay claimed the NFC South crown with a 10-7 finish last year, and if their defense can elevate its play in 2025, this group might just have the tools to push further into the playoffs.

A big part of that equation will be Zyon McCollum, who is poised to remain a difference-maker in the secondary. His presence will be crucial as the Bucs aim to tighten things up defensively. For now, though, all eyes are on Week 1, where Tampa Bay opens its campaign against the Atlanta Falcons.