Report: $30 Million Contract For Cade Otton
March 9th, 2026
“Love you, Cade. But I’d trade you for Mike in a heartbeat.”
The Bucs made their starting tight end a very happy man today moments after free agency kicked off.
Otton was rewarded with a three-year deal and the terms were published (loosely) by well-connected NFL reporter Ari Meirov, who Twittered that Otton bagged a 3-year, $30 million contract with $20 million guaranteed.
That’s puts Otton at middle of the pack when it comes to starting tight end salaries, certainly among the top-20 across the NFL.
From that perspective, the Otton deal makes sense. He’s solid but not great. He’s durable and reliable but not special.
Maybe the Bucs can squeeze more out of Otton, who turns 27 next month. They might have to now that Mike Evans won’t be patrolling the red zone.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:58 pm
Do gloves come with that contract?
March 9th, 2026 at 4:59 pm
Solid contract for a solid TE.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:59 pm
Not good.
Bucs need defense.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:01 pm
So we’ve signed a 32 y/o linebacker, which I’m happy about, but please don’t tell me there is no big name FA DE or DL coming.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:02 pm
What?????
Licht has lost his mind.
What a sheet show
March 9th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
Jason Licht is turning out to be a horrible GM
March 9th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
$30 million?!?! 😂😂😂😂
Bit no Oweh huh
March 9th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
But atleast we signed a top tier Edge
O wait
March 9th, 2026 at 5:04 pm
No improvement on this team so far
It’s like Licht is banking on a Mule to win the Kentucky Derby
March 9th, 2026 at 5:04 pm
3 and 30 for a bottom tier TE?
More like 3 and 28. Cade will never get it to 30
LOLOLOLOL
March 9th, 2026 at 5:04 pm
Who
Gives
A
S@!t
March 9th, 2026 at 5:05 pm
Jason Licht is dead man walking…awful contract…it’s like he has to resign his failed picks to make himself look good
Jason Licht sucks out loud. You’ll see again.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:05 pm
The Todd complacency has permeated the whole top and isnow upon the community in full force. It’s gotten to and apparently consumed the Glazers and JL.
M1K3 escaped it. So did Jamel. And White.
Its called
The Blob
March 9th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
I like how you gave context that its a middle of the pack contract for a starting tight end. He’s a good player.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
Otton soft as Cotton
March 9th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
And so is the team.
The Todd Blob
March 9th, 2026 at 5:08 pm
lol why
March 9th, 2026 at 5:09 pm
I mean but why… must know we ain’t getting nobody else
March 9th, 2026 at 5:09 pm
The Tampa Bay Todd Complacency blob aneers.
O no
March 9th, 2026 at 5:10 pm
Lakeland Says:
March 9th, 2026 at 5:04 pm
No improvement on this team so far
It’s like Licht is banking on a Mule to win the Kentucky Derby
OMG – just snorted my rum and coke… Geeze that’s funny.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:13 pm
Otton signed under his market value as well, great deal for the team.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:14 pm
We just remember the drops (Rams game) but Otton has been good and, more importantly, durable, so this is a good deal for both sides. Watch Licht draft a stud to challenge him.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:14 pm
I like it. Save the draft for defense!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:15 pm
Considering cap inflation, the deal is fine. It’s a bit more than I personally would have paid, but that’s what the market is. Also this doesn’t keep you from drafting someone and developing them if someone falls to you in the draft – but more likely means the Bucs might take a monster blocker at TE if there are any in the draft.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
He signed under market value but doesn’t change the fact that he’s a mediocre tight end on a mediocre roster. Throwaway season and apparently Jason Licht needs a head coach like BA that’ll tell him what to do
March 9th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
Otten is terrible.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
So are we pinning our hopes on JL drafting an Edge or nah
March 9th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
glazers have licht shopping at the thrift store
March 9th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
Sometimes you pay way more when you can’t develop. TE is the one position on offense where we need major help. I like the TE out of Oregon, but he is going to be off the board when we pick. Plus we likely will draft defense in the first round anyway. So, we had to sign him.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
The Bucs must see something in Otton that I personally do not see. Money wise the deal is fine, but I’d like to see a more aggressive approach in free agency. Fingers crossed.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
@Munch. Blocking TE is why we have Durham, and more than likey Kieft again on the roster for. Both have improved each year. Won’t find a rookie TE that blocks as well as them in year 1. It’s a development skill that takes a bit.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
No way is he worth that . His drops are atrocious .. what are we doing? There are ends out there and more linebackers . Licht needs to get his ass in gear . You want the fans to forgive losing Evans sign some fa to improve the team .
March 9th, 2026 at 5:25 pm
Otten gotta a good deal. The Bucs got a good deal. That’s how it’s supposed to work.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:26 pm
It’s not bad at all. Its something that we can likely get out of in two years with minimal cap impact if we need to. It also plugs a hole where we aren’t needing to draft a TE in the first two rounds.
Hopefully this means LB/Edge/DT/Corner in the first three rounds.
If we can get a vet contributor at edge rusher and dline and a vet backup center/guard it’s a reasonable offseason.
I realize the Evans thing stings but it was somewhat likely and the $$ used elsewhere can help. Especially considering he’s likely going to play 13 games at most
Reasonable vet upgrades at reasonable contracts is the right move for this franchise in its current form.
Then you hope for better health and see what the staff can get out of the players. Todd will need to save his job with this approach.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:26 pm
So what happens if the Utah tight end is still there when the Bucs pick?
Could have retained him for less. Another Zyon McCollum like mistakes. Licht is steadily evolving into a liability of Todd Bowles magnitude.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:27 pm
Apathy
March 9th, 2026 at 5:30 pm
Hard to have faith in our GM when cade gets that deal.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:31 pm
BigBoiBuc Says:
March 9th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
@Munch. Blocking TE is why we have Durham, and more than likey Kieft again on the roster for.
———
Durham is just a big lumbering giant, but not a good blocker, certainly not a mauler. In fact, if the Bucs do draft someone, he might end up being the odd man out.
Ko is a good blocker, but is limited by his physical abilities. He’s more of a special teams ace, and a guy who will give 100% effort on every play, and someone you 100% want on the team, but I still would want a mauler – ideally with some upside.
Also, last year once Ko got injured, we saw how much he was missed, that’s another thing that tells you Durham isn’t the man in the blocking role. Also, again, keep in mind that TE’s generally take a while to develop – so even if you draft someone it’s likely they’re not going to contribute all that much for at least a year, maybe two.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:31 pm
Lakeland Says:
March 9th, 2026 at 5:04 pm
No improvement on this team so far
It’s like Licht is banking on a Mule to win the Kentucky Derby.
…with Festus Haagan as the jockey.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:32 pm
I would still draft a TE. Otton is just one of Lichts favorites he refuses to part with.
Plus, how will he get the ball when the current QB can’t see over the O Line?
2026 is already a comedy of errors.
Betting against Bowles will net a small fortune.
Fire Licht Now!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:32 pm
Awful contract for a 1 TD no pro bowl easily replaceable YE in any draft.
7 mil per for Gainwell is insane. Allgier got 12 mil for 2 years and is a way better back.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:34 pm
I’m not a Cade fan. All that stands out to me is the 3rd downs where he comes up a yard short fairly consistently (or it might just be that I’m seeing it that way) also the times he’s gotten out powered an given up an interception. Please do something to help fans with the lost of Evans and the keeping of this HC/DC
March 9th, 2026 at 5:38 pm
Another Jason Licht special. Yet again, overpaid for a middle of the road player.
We have so many guys making $20M+ a year, yet so few difference makers.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:39 pm
Otton is fine…just need to target him more….and with Mike gone, we will.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:39 pm
@ Munch. Disagree on Durham . Blocks better than Cade and Kieft. Go back and watch his year with Coen, actually had 11 catches and most were contested. Last 2 years ( even the year Ko was healthy) he played way more snaps and was our “ blocking” TE. Ko was used in 13 personal not 12. I think we may draft a late round TE and Culp may be odd man out. Time will tell.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
Well, they had to have SOMEBODY to play the position there, and he’s serviceable. As long as Baker is not throwing it behind him and at his feet.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
When will most on here realize the routes are designed by the OC and. It the route runner? The “ Cade is always a yard short of the sticks” comment is crazy.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
Dre Greenlaw anyone?
March 9th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
well…when mike and chris were out a couple years ago, cade became a very relevant piece of the receiving corps…
so now with mike gone and cade all paid…they better use him like they mean business…
stand on business and use your 30 trillion dollar tight end
March 9th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
Omg.
Terrible waste of money.
We need defensive linemen!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
* and not the route runner
March 9th, 2026 at 5:47 pm
Crazy how many dumb fans we have . This is under what he is worth he is top 15 tight end in the league easily. Very good deal last thing we needed was another hole to fill on this team. I love Mike Evans but he didnt want to be here! We offered him way more than his production was worth and he bolted anyway that is not on the GM.
Honestly high probability 49ers are going regret that contract.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
He must take out Jl‘s garbage or feed us fish when he’s out of town! he gets blown up and driven back by safeties and corners when he’s a yard away from the first down, his hands are nowhere near the top 20 and tight ends, his blocking may be his top 20, his speed is nowhere near top 20, this one on one route separation is nowhere near top 20…… he does stay healthy, but he is nowhere near a good starting tight end. ……. By the way, have a box signed a new strength and conditioning coach in program and free agency……… Kate oops Cade needs it badly!! but hey good for him. Kudos to his agent.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:52 pm
Gotta love that ROH, AC, DC lovin GM Jason Licht! He’s hitting FAcy outta the park! Keep up the good work Jason, you’ll have us back to 9-8 in no time.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:52 pm
He’s the best we have had in quite a while. He will only get better.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:54 pm
We give him 30 million, because he’s the only te we got. He’s decent at best and solid at times. God this organization is very uninspiring.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:54 pm
fire licht and bowles, this team sucks
March 9th, 2026 at 5:54 pm
Are kidding me?????
That’s insane.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:56 pm
So we really aren’t signing an Edge
March 9th, 2026 at 5:57 pm
Lost M1K3 bcuz of Todd
March 9th, 2026 at 5:57 pm
Its a Bucs life
March 9th, 2026 at 6:00 pm
This our headline Day 1 of free agency
The blob
March 9th, 2026 at 6:01 pm
Shut up evans leaving… it’s done , it sucks, who cares why superstars leave their teams- rice/moss/BRADY
Move on and root for Tampa or find another team
March 9th, 2026 at 6:01 pm
Culp and Durham cannot block. I mean, embarrassingly BAD. It’s SO BAD you can’t risk even having them out there for a single play. Both, HORRIBLE on special teams, too. You really had no other choice than to re-sign Otton. Especially, after losing Mike. Both, the Saints and Chiefs signed BIG-$$$$ ‘top-tier’ level FA RB’s. If the Titans pass on Love (which they should… but, they are THE TITANS), then there’s a real chance that Love slips. If, he’s still there when the Cowboys pick at #12, then the Bucs should POUNCE. That Cowboys-Javonte Williams deal is looking awfully good right now, after what all these RB’s are getting today! Hell, he should’ve waited. Maybe, Jerry has finally learned his lesson, & got him locked up EARLY, for once. They STOLE HIM. That Cowboys Offense would be UNSTOPPABLE if they drafted Love AND franchised Pickens. Whoa. What if another team was to steal him away, if the ‘Boys gave him the ‘non-exclusive’ tag!? And, the Cowboys get ANOTHER 1st-Round Pick for THIS season and then ANOTHER for next seasons ‘all-time’ LOADED class (giving them 3-#1’s in 2027)!? That’d be freaking CRAZY!!!!
March 9th, 2026 at 6:02 pm
Deviln Culp with his good size needs to be split out and used for inside slants. With Evans gone Bucs can use a big target on offense.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:13 pm
Raiders sign 2 ILBs in their prime (Dean and Walker) while we sign the only 30+ year old ILB in FA. Another band aid, another hole that will have to be filled in a year.
Keep up the stellar work Licht
March 9th, 2026 at 6:13 pm
JL took fricken Gainwell. I’d still take Love, if you can STEAL HIM around 12-15. Bucky and Gainwell just isn’t good enough. If you’re banking on either of those two, then you’ve got BIGGGG PROBLEMS. It was another DUMB/Meh move. I’ll take Love for the future of MY organization for the next 5-YEARS, on his ‘rookie’ deal. The #2-overall player in the draft according to Mel. And, according to McShay, with the same ‘mentality’ and ‘toughness’ (but a faster version) of Emmitt Smith, & a Dickerson/Bijan/Gibbs type of RB. Yeah, I’d take THAT. In a HEARTBEAT. For my next HC and GM. He’d help Baker more than anything else too, after losing Big-Mike. One thing’s for sure… We’re going to really see WHAT Baker is really made of THIS SEASON. He literally has EVERYTHING on the line. HUUUUGE $$$$$.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:13 pm
Well Day 1 are we a better team than last year … nope
March 9th, 2026 at 6:15 pm
@ HeartyDickerson – just another very typical move on the CHEAP.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:15 pm
Jason Licht is garbage people…wake the F up!!!!!
.449%
Dude is a career loser unless Brady shows up. Anyone see Brady? No.
Then Licht is the SUCK. And will be the suck. I’m going to pound this all year long as we suck again under JL. Dude is a loser.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:16 pm
Raiders just grabbed 2 great ILB at about 12 million per
Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker
Why is Licht bargain hunting
March 9th, 2026 at 6:19 pm
Wow the idiot whiners on here are classic.
10mil a year for a solid TE who had back to back 60 catch campaigns and last year did it w an OC who didn’t scheme around the TE much.
Rock solid signing.
Whine away Madden players.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:20 pm
All the crybabies about light is pathetic. If he is that bad or you hate the team or Tampa didn’t get what you exactly wanted — find another team you can cry about
March 9th, 2026 at 6:20 pm
Ok …can he plz get past the FD maker for a change!
March 9th, 2026 at 6:25 pm
For $30M, he needs to hold on to his balls.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:27 pm
I love the guys who have the best players on the draft falling to 15.
Whenever I think I am not smart I come in here to read the comments and I feel like a genius.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:28 pm
Homerjmitc Says:
March 9th, 2026 at 6:20 pm
All the crybabies about light is pathetic. If he is that bad or you hate the team or Tampa didn’t get what you exactly wanted — find another team you can cry about
So you’re one of those blind faith clowns that thinks Licht is infallible. Believe it or not, voicing unhappiness with moves that we believe to be wrong are not the hallmarks of a bad fan.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:28 pm
So many cry babies in here
March 9th, 2026 at 6:29 pm
Ain’t no crybaby bih. We lost Mike today and have yet to sign an Edge
For a common serious reason
Buc fan for life
But will ride the culprits as #13 packs
March 9th, 2026 at 6:30 pm
$30m to go down with captain toilet bowles? Should have jumped ship like Mike
March 9th, 2026 at 6:32 pm
This organization’d dedication to mediocrity is truly impressive.
No one does mediocre quite like the Bucs.
I wonder how many other barely average players we can overpay?
March 9th, 2026 at 6:33 pm
That’s way too much money for him
March 9th, 2026 at 6:34 pm
@Melvin jr, I see you are day drinking again. Just stop. Resigning Otton was a fair deal to both player and team. Hes better than you think and hopefully we have an OC that will show that. Durham, way better blocker than you think. Actually graded out higher than Otton all year and for the season. You said they wouldn’t put him out for a single play when he started and played 1 full game this year and 3 the year before. Coaches must know. Culp, misused in our offense and literally played one special team…kickoff return … so how/why would you say he is HORRIBLE on special teams? Only plays about 5 plays a game there. You actually watch him on kick return!? lol. Idiot comments. Cade will have a big year. Durham will continued to to get better under this OC. Same with Culp. Now, pour yourself another round of that cheap swill you drink and chill. This team has waaaaaay bigger problems than TE
March 9th, 2026 at 6:36 pm
@ Homerjmitc – I AM rooting for Tampa… To TANK. I’m living in REALITY. This team has NO CHANCE whatsoever. And, much more likely than NOT, are a ‘bottom-5’ team in the NFC. It’s an incompetent GM and coaching staff. With CHEAP ‘penny-pinching’ owners, who are just content with the past and not motivated enough currently, to prioritize WINNING FIRST. So, neither am I. I mean, if THEY AREN’T, then why should I!? I’m for tanking in 2027, stockpiling draft-picks, and put ourselves in the best position possible cap-wise, in order to become THE MOST ‘attractive’ job in THE NFL, for any ‘top-tier’ level, ‘high-end’ HC and GM. This current regime is waaaayyyy over their heads. Tom Brady just covered it ALL up and masked it all. Lickt is exactly WHO we thought he was pre-Brady. 💯
March 9th, 2026 at 6:38 pm
That seems ridiculous. Especially for a team that hardly throws to the tight end. Maybe that will change.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:40 pm
NO @ BigBoiBuc – YOU must be the one who is drunk, can’t see, OR comprehend. I said that they had no other choice than to re-sign Otton. NEVER said he wasn’t worth-it. I said that he is very “serviceable.” That is as long as Baker isn’t throwing-it behind him, or at his feet.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:42 pm
So this was our wave 1 of free agency. Shefter blowin up rn and Tampa Crickets
March 9th, 2026 at 6:44 pm
@ BigBoiBuc – he’s barely freaking PLAYED since he’s been here, dude. And, YOU are trying to argue with ME on this!? LoL GTFO Lmaooooo. Otton is not a great blocker, but those two are BOTH, HORRIBLE. I’ve seen it too many times, on the very FEW occasions, when they’ve even been in there.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:45 pm
Guess were using 1st to picks on Edge, hit or miss lol
March 9th, 2026 at 6:46 pm
@DrunkMelvinJr, ok I will give you the floor. Durham grades out higher than Otton in blocking , but you say Otton is a better blocker. Make sense? Nah. You say Culp is HORRIBLE in special teams but he plays in ONE SPECIAL TEAM … kick return. Maybe a few plays a game. What insight do you have that says he’s HORRIBLE? Again , do you watch his 5 plays a game on kick return? I think not. I think you’re an idiot. Baseless comments. From someone that doesn’t know what he’s looking at. Let your wife watch from now on and tell you what’s happening. It will be better for us all.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:47 pm
Annnnd, “Big-Boy” Lmao… I also said, that WE HAD TO re-sign Cade. Had no other choice. Especially, after losing Big-Mike. Hell, SOMEONE has to play the position.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:47 pm
Jason, Todd, and children G bosses us with Mike Evans. Better redeem themselves with Hendrickson.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:52 pm
@DrunkMelvinJr – lol Durham played 350 snaps. So yeah barely in there. Dude do some research Culp plays only ONE special team but he but you said he is HORRIBLE on Special Teams. Do you watch him in the 3 kick returns Hes on? Lmfao. What an idiot. Baseless comments. Old saying …. “better to remain silent and let people assume you are a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt”….
March 9th, 2026 at 7:01 pm
they paid the wrong guy 😔
March 9th, 2026 at 7:02 pm
Sad that you feel compelled to make things up. The Joe typing here hasn’t eaten a steak in decades. –Joe
March 9th, 2026 at 7:02 pm
The truth is getting moderated. Wow.
If it were true, Joe would have left it. If you’re going to write about Joe, then not misrepresenting is important. There are many other sites on which you can blast Joe. –Joe
March 9th, 2026 at 7:03 pm
The reason the Bucs aren’t on Adams timeline past 4 hours
Is bcuz nobody wants to play for Bowles
The one person who said he did, we ain’t even rumored to be contacting 😂😂😂😂
March 9th, 2026 at 7:05 pm
Okay we secured Otton in FA. Let’s party Tampa
SB here we come, right after facing 49ers in playoffs
March 9th, 2026 at 7:07 pm
What’s laughable is you say no one wants to play for Bowles. Yet the signed 3 guys and ga isn’t over — to say NOBODY when these have signed people is embarrassing
March 9th, 2026 at 7:09 pm
Did Detroit/kc/baltimore make the playoffs? Nothing is guaranteed
March 9th, 2026 at 7:13 pm
It hurts like a MF’a to lose Mike but we have good receivers, Hendrickson will be a Buc sometime this week, draft well and we will be fine
March 9th, 2026 at 7:16 pm
Licht overpaid AGAIN for another of his draft picks. THAT’S the primary reason IMO why the Bucs have such crappy DEPTH. Licht’s paying way too much money for guys who really aren’t top performers.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:16 pm
Bowles is garbage, of course no defensive player wants to come here only the ones that nobody wants anymore like Anzalone. The sad part is that the ownership dosnt like having winning culture for too long. So here comes another decade of loosing. Shame
March 9th, 2026 at 7:18 pm
@ Big-Boy – YES. HORRIBLE in special teams. BOTH. Durham canNOT even ‘block’ on FG or Punt protect, at all. And, is TERRIBLE within the offense, especially in the open-field. He’s TERRIBLE. Culp just canNOT BLOCK, period. And, there’s a GOOD REASON for why there is such a very small ‘sample-size’ for him in the first place. Because, HE SUCKS. They both SUCK HARD. It’s WHY Culp got BENCHED immediately, after just ONE fricking PLAY, the last time I saw him get into a game. He only played just a handful of snaps after that, for the rest of the year. Because, HE’S AWFUL. Can’t Play. And, I’m NOT paying ANY attention at ALL, to your big so-called PFF Grades. They’re GARBAGE and everyone KNOWS-IT. No one can even tell you what those “grades” even mean, or HOW they even calculate them in the first place. So, I’ll just trust MY OWN EYES, like I usually do. They’ve NEVER let me down up to this point!!!! So, WHY would “I” give ANY credence or pay ANY attention at all, to what PFF says concerning 2-BACKUP TE’s that have rarely SEEN the field over the past couple of seasons, outside of special teams. PLEASE. I’ll trust what I SAW. And, right AFTER I SAW-IT (one of the few-times he was even ‘allowed’ to play a single SNAP)… He was IMMEDIATELY pulled from the game. As he deserved.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:18 pm
if bucs get hendrickson they have him, vea, blonde lb, and potentially lavonte all over 30
March 9th, 2026 at 7:19 pm
So we really have a top Edge that actually wants to play here that we aren’t signing??
It doesn’t get that bad does it
March 9th, 2026 at 7:19 pm
Ready for Blunderball! Lets Go!