Cade Otton “Coveted” Among Other NFL Suits
February 23rd, 2026
What is Cade Otton’s future?
Before last season, in a rare glimpse of controlled emotion, Bucs tight end Cade Otton seemed disappointed.
He stood at a podium and confessed that his agent and the Bucs had minimal, if any, conversations about his future with the team.
The understated Otton made it clear he wanted to return to the Bucs in 2026, but it was fully out of his hands. And he wasn’t going to sweat an issue out of his control.
But players always have control. They are the ones on the field, not their agents, not their coaches. If they produce, teams will want to keep them.
Otton is not unfriendly with the Fourth Estate. On the contrary, he is very cooperative. He puts on a good game face and is very guarded with what he says. But this time, he slipped ever so slightly.
Otton was bummed out discussing his unclear future.
But it seems, per long-time Giants and Eagles beat writer for NJ.com Matt Lombardo, who now runs the Substack “Between the Hashmarks,” a lot of NFL suits say pending free agent Otton is going to have a nice influx of revenue. If not from the Bucs, it’ll come from some other NFL team looking for a tight end.
Similarly, Cade Otton is going to be one of the most coveted tight ends out there, and should sign a fairly strong deal either to return to Tampa Bay or emerge as a top-of-the-depth-chart contributor elsewhere.
This is the first time Joe has read from anyone reliable that Otton is somewhat coveted.
Hey, Joe confesses to waffling on Otton. He made two of the most garish turnovers last year, both in primetime games, both road losses — at Detroit and the other at Los Angeles.
Joe still wants to puke remembering that turnover at Los Angeles, which was officially ruled a 50-yard pick-six. Yeah, Otton should have been ruled down. Regardless, just like his turnover at Detroit, hang onto the friggin’ ball!
Joe was ready to turn the page on Otton at that point.
However, in the last game of the season, Otton scored his first touchdown on an 18-yard pass from Baker Mayfield. Joe thought at the time, “Where has that been all year?”
Then Joe re-watched highlights of the Bucs’ best win of the year, a 38-35 win over Seattle. Otton caught a sweet 27-yard pass down the left seam from Mayfield as the Bucs quarterback rolled to his left.
So maybe Otton wasn’t used right by former Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard? Still, Joe thinks the tight end position on the roster can use an infusion of talent. Perhaps Michael Trigg in the second round?
As for a free agent tight end, Lombardo also typed that Baltimore tight end Charlie Kolar, in the right system and with a more prominent role, could be dynamic and is expected to have several suitors. Since he comes from the Crows, you figure he can block.
Joe thinks the Bucs could be a big, consistent deep-threat tight end away from having an explosive offense.
February 23rd, 2026 at 7:25 am
Think Grizzard’s scheme and game planning that failed to utilize the TE’s as much as Coen was a big reason for the lack of production from the position. Do think we’ll see a rebound under Robinson, and that Culp may be a big beneficiary as well. Would like to see Otten return, but only on a team friendly deal, considering the $$ that’s going to be needed for the additions likely to made on the D side of the ball. Expect to get a strong contract elsewhere though, which he should take to secure his future after football.
February 23rd, 2026 at 7:39 am
I’d be ok with Otton leaving provided Kyle Pitts follows Zac Robinson to 1Bucs Place.
February 23rd, 2026 at 7:41 am
If I were Otton, Id walk. Find a team that covets rather than uses you poorly, a HC who is not fleshing out a lame duck year, and possibly get on a roster with fewer mouths to feed. This GM is clueless, he’ll let consistent role players and producers walk (Cade, White…even RoJo/White/Davis back in the day), while bending over backwards to pay guys top dollar before they’ve ever put together a full season (McC, Goedeke, AWJ [ok he had 1 full contract year season]). Meanwhile, look for $50 mil/yr for a guy that just bored the 2nd half of last year and it would not surprise me if brittleman Kancey gets paid this off season too
February 23rd, 2026 at 7:42 am
Don’t worry, Licht will overpay to keep one of his own.
February 23rd, 2026 at 7:56 am
Meh …
Totally replaceable in the later rounds of the draft.
February 23rd, 2026 at 8:01 am
There are at least 3 FA TE’s with more big play capability and good blocking skills than Otton-Move on.
February 23rd, 2026 at 8:27 am
Front Office has to stop overpaying and over-evaluating their own draft picks.
Otton’s blocking has improved but he’s still replaceable.
February 23rd, 2026 at 9:02 am
Otton isnt a terrible TE but imo he isnt worth the contract he will get just bc he was TE1 in Tampa. Imo he is a good TE2 on other rosters. I’d only pay Otton 8 milly at most. There are better options out there for 8 milly plus, or even under.
February 23rd, 2026 at 9:05 am
It seems perception of a player gets a lot better when they hit FA-because simply they have played in the league already. He is one of those guys. He is not a top receiving TE from a catching or blocking perspective. Bring in some fresh faces and let somebody emerge. This guy will be overpaid-hopefully we aren’t the ones doing it. Let’s do all we can to improve that Putrid Pass Rush!
February 23rd, 2026 at 9:10 am
Otton gets overcritized. He isn’t a star by any means but he’s a good starter. I don’t get the TE2 narrative. There isn’t 32 TE’s in the NFL better than Otton. 2 bad plays don’t make or define a player. He’s a solid two way TE which is valuable in the league. I think fans have the tendency to over polarize players on their team in both directions
February 23rd, 2026 at 9:23 am
With Robertson, a true OC, will help shape the Bucs. He’s a good OC, while GRIZZARD. wet behind the ears wet the bed. Cotton wasn’t used efficiently. Primarily used as a blocker. GRIZZARD misused him. He lacked experience as a play caller and made the Bucs too predictable. The Bucs will average 28 to 30 points per game under Robertson.
This will also help the defense because Bowles can concentrate more of his attention to the defense. He can learn how Robertson won both games against the Bucs last year.
I believe the league will be caught off guard 💂♂️ in 2026, a return to greatness. Despite what I and others thought, the Glazers have their fingers 👉 on this team which is why Bowles was kept.
February 23rd, 2026 at 9:25 am
Spotrac has Otton’s value at $7.9m, Pitts at $10.8m, and Kolar at $1.7.
Will Zac Robinson increase tight end targets? If not, go with a TE who is a good blocker and forget Pitts’ big money with only fair blocking.
Is Licht going big with FA defenders? Then go cheap at TE with Kolar.
Sure, Licht could dump Otton and draft a TE but the run game would suffer as college TE’s rarely block well as rookies.
I’m generally OK with Otton’s play. He’s a good, not great, blocker. He’s reduced his drops this past season. He knows the offense and Baker trusts him.
February 23rd, 2026 at 9:34 am
Cade is undervalued
February 23rd, 2026 at 9:34 am
20th ranked TE in the league. Wins 12 plays out of 32, gets beat the other 20 plays. That’s what Otton does. He is a almost guy. On 3rd and 7 gets 6 yards. Almost gets the line of gain, almost breaks a tackle, almost completes a catch, almost blocks his guy. Upgrade when the opportunity presents itself. He’s one of the weakest links on offense.
February 23rd, 2026 at 10:01 am
David Njoku and Isiah Likely are both superior to Cade Otton and both are available FA’s. Chig Okonkwo is an explosive downfield threat and fast for a TE, but not a great blocker. Pitts is over priced and only lights it up against Bucs who he would never play against if signed.
February 23rd, 2026 at 10:11 am
We’re not good enough to be offing good football players. Cade is a very good football player. Jeez.
February 23rd, 2026 at 10:18 am
When you have four WR’s (providing Evans returns) that are the envy of the league, why overpay for a receiving TE like Pitts? Bring back Otten if the price is fair and see what we have in Culp. Teams that feature a receiving TE usually are lacking in WR talent.
February 23rd, 2026 at 10:22 am
Would rather have Chig !
February 23rd, 2026 at 10:48 am
The keyword is “top of the depth chart” Tight End. Will Otton settle for being a TE2 in Tampa? I doubt it. But I don’t like him in any other role.
February 23rd, 2026 at 10:54 am
“On 3rd and 7 gets 6 yards. Almost gets the line of gain, almost breaks a tackle, almost completes a catch, almost blocks his guy“
Grizzard was using Cade to run tunnel screens(!?)
February 23rd, 2026 at 11:02 am
Todd Says:
February 23rd, 2026 at 10:01 am
David Njoku and Isiah Likely are both superior to Cade Otton and both are available FA’s.
==================================
Njoku is way overated. Wasn’t as good last years as rookie Harold Fannin Jr.
Njoku drops too many passes. Actually think Otten is better.
February 23rd, 2026 at 11:03 am
Concur with @Dom
February 23rd, 2026 at 11:28 am
Njoku averages 4 drops per season over his 8 seasons and that is not a lot per season and last season he dropped 1. Maybe you also forgot the 2022 game against the Bucs where the Browns were 4th and 12 with 37 seconds left and Njoku made an Odell like one handed grab in the back of the end zone sending the game to OT and propelling the Browns to victory.
February 23rd, 2026 at 11:30 am
Njoku is also faster than Otton. Otton is TE2 at best-how about Bucs try to improve.
February 23rd, 2026 at 11:59 am
I didn’t think he had control of the ball and made the catch in la, thus the correct call was made. He got robbed in Detroit. They both had the ball and his knee was down. Should have been over tuned IMO.
He screwed up and didn’t catch the ball in LA. It was tough at the time but it’s one play.
He’s a good player but I’d doubt he’s worth the money we need to get a linebacker. It’s a difficult situation because we have to find someone that’s at least as good as him. Can that be accomplished on the cheap in the draft? I sure hope so.
February 23rd, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Todd Says:
February 23rd, 2026 at 11:28 am
Njoku averages 4 drops per season over his 8 seasons and that is not a lot per season and last season he dropped 1.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Njoku didn’t get as much playing time last year with emergence of Harold Fannin Jr.
David Njoku has struggled with drops throughout his career, with a notable high of 6 dropped passes during the 2023 season.Rotoworld.
February 23rd, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Njoku had 48 targets and dropped ONE-Thanks for making my point for me. Averaging 4 per season is hardly struggling.
February 23rd, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Like Cade but I’m good if he goes, 3 of bakers interceptions were solely and completely his fault. Still a pretty good tight end though
February 23rd, 2026 at 12:35 pm
Please just stop people-here is the awful truth:
AI Overview
Cade Otton | Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE | NFL and PFF stats
Based on 2025 season data, Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton received a 57.4 overall PFF grade, ranking him 56th out of 75 tight ends. His performance is generally considered below average by PFF, with a 58.1 receiving grade and a 56.1 run-blocking grade. Despite being a frequent target for Baker Mayfield, his efficiency metrics are low
February 23rd, 2026 at 12:56 pm
If the Bucs draft a tight end anywhere before the 5th round, our defense is screwed. If anything, our offense needs a backup offensive lineman before a tight end. Fix the defense. The offense has more than eniugh to put points on the board.
February 23rd, 2026 at 1:09 pm
It’s not hard to figure out: Most of last year, Cade Otton was used for blocking because of the injuries to the offensive line.
Being used as a blocker meant no stats. Period.
February 23rd, 2026 at 1:11 pm
Inwoodjeremy Says:
“20th ranked TE in the league. Wins 12 plays out of 32, gets beat the other 20 plays. That’s what Otton does. ”
If that is based on last year’s stats, it’s wrong.
February 23rd, 2026 at 1:16 pm
All of you are judging him by last year…and that’s a mistake.
🏈 Judging players by one year is a mistake. you should ALWAYS uses at least 3-4 years of work to evaluate.
🏈 Last year was a year full of injures, and as a result, Cade Otton was used for blocking more than anything else.
🏈 Because of that, his pass-catching skills became a little rusty. Not by much, but enough to allow 2-3 mistakes he wouldn’t normally make.
So those of you saying he isn’t good, or those of you relying on AI opinion of last year…reconsider.
February 23rd, 2026 at 1:17 pm
Every player has a down year from time to time. Cutting them because of it is how you lose good players.
February 23rd, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Pitts is getting the franchise tag I bet, so Bucs better hold to Otton. He is not a good blocker but generally a good receiver especially on third down. Baker uses him a lot as a second or third progression. Bucs need to keep him.
February 23rd, 2026 at 1:53 pm
How was Arm Pitts used in Atl last year? Outside of singlehandedly beating the Bucs, was he a factor in any other game for the Fowlclowns over the past 2+ years
February 23rd, 2026 at 1:59 pm
Joe continuing to think Ottons drop/pick6 in the Rams game was the difference in that game highlights his inability to watch a game and understand what he’s watching.
February 23rd, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Otton was NOT used primarily for blocking last year. Bucs had the 13th most targets in the NFL with 81-and guess what? Those targets were almost exclusively Otton.
Bonzai thinks he is wiser than AI-Really?
February 23rd, 2026 at 3:34 pm
What’s the deal with the gloves and Brady telling him to wear them? Why can’t he just wear the gloves and NOT cough up the rock?
February 23rd, 2026 at 5:21 pm
I like Otto’s ability to run routes and catch passes, but he does seem to drop more passes than I would like out of a TE. I wouldn’t break the bank for Otton but if he’s cheap resign him. They say this years TE class is gonna give someone a Kelce, Kittle type player but on day 3. TE and MLB might not have that bluechip player but from what I read about this years draft there a bunch of solid players that will result into both positions having good day 3 picks.
February 23rd, 2026 at 6:05 pm
I was ok with Otton, until you had the opposing team outfighting him for the ball. That speaks of softness and the Bucs don’t need softness. But they will resign him
February 23rd, 2026 at 6:10 pm
Joe still wants to puke remembering that turnover at Los Angeles, which was officially ruled a 50-yard pick-six. Yeah, Otton should have been ruled down. Regardless, just like his turnover at Detroit, hang onto the friggin’ ball!
———
You mean the play where the NFL decided on the fly to change the rules of football so that a tie can go to the defender? Something I had never seen in the history of the game.
As for Otton, I think I was higher on him early on, then last year after he had a great stretch of games, I was lower than everyone, then this past year, I was again higher than most everyone. He’s what he is, a top of the bottom third TE, mainly limited by not being a good blocker. Time and time again, I’d see White stand up guys in pass blocking, after they run over or through Otton. But as a receiver, Otton is very good.
Personally I’d try to bring Otton back while drafting someone who might one day take his job. But keep in mind, tightend is THE slowest developing position in football, so even if you draft someone high, you shouldn’t expect much of them for a year or maybe even two years.
February 23rd, 2026 at 6:22 pm
Denver appears to be very interested in Otton. Not to be confused with Kyle Orton…
February 23rd, 2026 at 6:44 pm
when the offense is put on his shoulders, he produces big time…we’ve seen it…and so has the league…
yet the team has seemingly kept him as a 5th or 6th option a lot of the time…
he is a very good tight end…
not good and not great…very good…
other teams have seen the tape
February 23rd, 2026 at 6:45 pm
also he has not had his career year yet…
he is heading into his prime now…wherever he plays next year
February 23rd, 2026 at 8:44 pm
Otton should be resigned. He’ll be greatly improved with the new coach.
February 23rd, 2026 at 8:44 pm
Bird in hand, but please do go rummaging around in the bushes
February 23rd, 2026 at 9:35 pm
Canales will get Cade . Used him well during his tenure.
February 24th, 2026 at 3:14 am
As you know, Pitts was franchised tagged by Atlanta.
Now, whatever TB & JL do, it better have impact. This is their prove it year. Mistakes are not acceptable. Their personal and personnel decisions will be evaluated sternly. No excuses accepted. Either they will or will not. Time will tell.
February 24th, 2026 at 3:53 am
Fun fact isn’t Trigg the son of relative of the owner of West Tampa staple Konan’s BBQ?