The Weakest Link
July 11th, 2026
Spreadsheeter not impressed.
Back when the 2020 season got underway, Joe doesn’t know if any NFL team had a better tight end room than the Bucs’.
First, you had foot-rubbing Rob Gronkowski. No need to type anything more.
Then you had Cam Brate, who was highly underrated and reliable target.
And before he blew out his Achilles, O.J. Howard looked the best he ever had in Bucco Bruce Arians’ no-risk-it, no-biscuit offense with Brady pulling the strings.
Boy, that was a long time ago.
In March, the Bucs re-signed Cade Otton for $10 million a year. He’s sort of a reliable tight end, a decent blocker but also prone to horrific gaffes/fumbles.
Joe’s irked that the Bucs didn’t use Otton downfield more.
Joe brings this up for a couple of reasons. One is because Mike Clay of BSPN, a spreadsheeter, judged the Bucs’ roster at No. 18 overall, and Clay seems to think the biggest hole is tight end.
Biggest weakness: The Bucs are set to return the same tight end room that ranked last in the NFL in receiving yardage last season. Cade Otton has been solid (40 to 60 receptions in all four of his NFL seasons) but is often phased out of the passing attack when the team is healthy at wide receiver. His lone touchdown came in Week 18 last season. Backups Payne Durham, Devin Culp and Ko Kieft combined to run seven routes per game last season, and sixth-round pick Bauer Sharp was the only offseason addition.
To be fair, Kieft missed 14 games injured.
Joe doesn’t know what the deal is with Devin Culp. The guy is a weapon if used to stretch the field but last year’s play caller Josh Grizzard seemed scared to play Culp, who isn’t any sort of a blocker.
As for Payne Durham, he’s made a couple of stud catches like this one, but the Bucs only targeted him four times last year.
Last year, per Alex Blickle, typing for Aaron Schatz’s FTN Football Almanac 2026, noted Tampa Bay targeted tight ends less than any team.
Tampa Bay threw a league-low 16% of passes to tight ends.
So that tells Joe either Grizzard did not trust the Bucs’ tight ends or he didn’t know how to use them in the passing game.
Some sober people really can’t understand why the feet of “this Joe” were stomping for the Bucs to draft Kenyon Sadiq.
Ira Kaufman Talks Different Baker Mayfield Contract Angle, Damning NFL Stat Reveal, Rueben Bain Rally, O-Line Date, And More
July 11th, 2026 at 7:49 am
There are weapons on this team everywhere. The New OC likes to use the Tight Ends so let’s see where this goes. The Putrid Pass Defense is the Biggest concern of this Team. Not the TE position.
July 11th, 2026 at 8:17 am
Our TE room is a joke.
There.
I said it…
Our GM decided to never draft a top notch TE after getting burnt by OJH.
July 11th, 2026 at 8:22 am
“the biggest hole is tight end.” I strongly disagree. The biggest hole is the HC / DC. He’s dropped and or fumbled the ball way more than Otton.
July 11th, 2026 at 8:25 am
The WRs are better than the TEs, so they get the targets. In the last couple of years when the WRs were banged up and Otten was needed, he responded. Heck, when Dev Culp was targeted, he made some big plays. Dev’s speed is unique in the TE room so I hope he gets out of TE Coach Justin Peelle’s doghouse and gets some targets. The stathead media types only care about TE receiving, but I like TEs who can block and I think Ko was badly missed with the lousy run game last year.
July 11th, 2026 at 8:25 am
Ko was missed more than people realize
July 11th, 2026 at 8:29 am
@ jimbob
I don’t fixate on stats.
Otton is a bad blocker.
Otton has average catch ability.
Otton is weak and is easily stripped of the ball.
Otton has mediocre size and below mediocre strength.
If Otton is the best we have then our TE room is a joke IMO.
July 11th, 2026 at 8:45 am
The Zac Attack will utilize the ight end more. He knows how to use ’em. Grizz was absolutely one of our worst offensive play callers in Bucs history.
July 11th, 2026 at 8:57 am
Last year. Think it’s over. We’ll soon see how the TEs pan out for 26, 27. What happened with last years team is meaningless for this years team.
July 11th, 2026 at 8:59 am
That headline. And picture. I was ready to write this rebuttal before I even read the story. And then, Marine Buc has already weighed in- twice. And he’s right more than he’s wrong.
But he’s wrong this time. And Joe bringing up Sadiq? Joe. You got Egbuka right. Great job. Now quit while you’re ahead. Stand Pat. Otten is a better football player than Sadiq. Otten has been the most underrated player on our team these last 3 years.
July 11th, 2026 at 9:05 am
Can’t find stats anywhere, but could it also be that the Bucs tight ends had to stay in and block a whole lot more to help a struggling offensive line?
July 11th, 2026 at 9:12 am
@ Kenton
“Marine Buc has already weighed in- twice. And he’s right more than he’s wrong.”
Thanks bud.
@ Kenton
“But he’s wrong this time.”
To quote the great Greta Thunberg – “How dare you!”
Seriously though – you really believe this collection of below mediocre misfits are a top ten unit?
Top 15?
Top 20?
Come on man!
July 11th, 2026 at 9:13 am
Bauer will push one of the TE’s off this roster.
July 11th, 2026 at 9:30 am
@ Todd
I hope he pushes at least one off this roster…
Too bad he can’t push them all off.
LOL!
July 11th, 2026 at 9:30 am
Find an Ohio State tight end.
July 11th, 2026 at 9:34 am
Marine Buc,
I’m halfway there with you. I always said I would be extremely happy with CO as our number 2 TE, like Brate was to Gronk. But as the lead guy he is competent, just not special.
July 11th, 2026 at 9:39 am
Joe … ‘Some sober people really can’t understand why the feet of “this Joe” were stomping for the Bucs to draft Kenyon Sadiq.’
Do you REALLY want that to be your ‘bottom line’ to this solid article Joe? Bucs drafted Bain with our #15 pick, THEN the Jets took Sadiq with their #16 pick. Sadiq was there for the taking when we picked, but Licht apparently didn’t listen to your advice and chose instead to go with Bain. Oh the shame of it all (I’m sorry, sometimes I just can’t help myself, it’s too easy; just teasing of course … no one expected Bain to be there at #15).
July 11th, 2026 at 9:50 am
Worst TE in the NFL gets a $10 mil a year contract from Licht.
Now do you lemmings see why we can’t even win the putrid NFC South division?
Mediocrity has been championed by Bowles, Licht, and the Glazer kids.
That’s why they will almost certainly waste a ridiculous amount of money on a QB1 that is 1-9 in prime time.
They would rather lose their way than win any other way.
4-13. #NoPlayoffs
July 11th, 2026 at 9:55 am
JL can’t help himself. Nothing he likes better than extending and overpaying his precious draft picks. Weakest TE room in the league. Otton just good enough to get you beat = waste of 10 million.
July 11th, 2026 at 10:06 am
Biggest weakness: HC/DC
When the most important position is decision maker and yours has years of evidence he is among the worst, that is the weakest one!
July 11th, 2026 at 10:08 am
What’s a lemmings? Is that some term from the 70’s? Pack it up grandpa it’s jello time at the retirement home
July 11th, 2026 at 10:12 am
What is see is a healthy ball club with a chip a real good Oline ,3 quality backs ,weather you like it or not ,Mayfield can play the QB position at high level. They drafted the edge rusher everyone screamed about! The Dline is healthy and not to shabby either! Bowles know what happened last year,this team is set up for success! I wouldn’t count them out just yet,Bowles turns the team around with the players trust , Bowles would be in line for coach of the yearI wouldn’t hold your breath ..Any Given Sunday!
July 11th, 2026 at 10:12 am
@ drunk
I agree.
Otton isn’t horrible.
He is a slightly below mediocre NFL tight end and should be our #2.
Grade for Cade Otton is a C-….
July 11th, 2026 at 10:16 am
At first glance, I thought this was an article about Baker.
July 11th, 2026 at 10:18 am
Marine Buc Says
“Our TE room is a joke.
There.
I said it…
Our GM decided to never draft a top notch TE after getting burnt by OJH.”
Well who can blame him? The OCs have mostly used them to block. Kind of a wasted pick if taken in the higher rounds.
I wouldn’t say the room is a joke though. They block. We just need an OC who uses them for more than that.
July 11th, 2026 at 10:18 am
I think the Bucs wanted to get a TE earlier in the draft but the board just didn’t fall that way. Yes, it’s true that the TEs were asked to stay in and block last year because of all the injuries at OL. But they do need some more talent at that position. I’m really encouraged at what we’re hearing about Bauer Sharp in OTAs. Let’s hope it continues in TC and in the preseason games. I think he’s gonna quickly become a fan favorite. This fan base will also love them some Alex Anzalone too.
July 11th, 2026 at 10:40 am
Well, the Rays really ‘lucked-out’ and WON BIG in the lottery, getting the 2nd-OVERALL PICK, in a draft-class with THREE “ELITE” STUDS. So, they can’t lose. I really want the Georgia Tech Catcher, Lackey… I’d love FINALLY, having an exciting Catcher like that. Watched at least a DOZEN of his games last season. Whatever happens, we CAN’T LOSE… Also, have picks #33 and #46. Today, at 1:00 on NBC. Maybe, they get Emerson at #2, and then can grab the UGA Catcher, Golden Spikes Award WINNER Jackson, later!? Sucks tho our #66 pick a couple years ago, Tyler Bell outta high school, decided to go to UK because the RAYS were too CHEAP AGAIN on their friggin ‘signing bonus’ offer. NOW, he’s a TOP-10 PROSPECT in THIS YEAR’S DRAFT. It’s tough to take. Total BS. That’s NOT happening again, under THESE OWNERS. Again, 1:00pm LIVE on NBC. GO RAYS!!!!
July 11th, 2026 at 10:40 am
Otten is a quintessentially mediocre tight end. Nothing special as a receiver, but okay. Started off as a below average blocker, now getting very close to average. Average size, average speed. Average everything. It’s clear that they like this guy. Bauer and expect him to push Cade. Bauer seems to be the more gifted athlete of the two. And apparently has looked decent in the many camps. Likely he pushes culp out of the nest.
July 11th, 2026 at 10:53 am
I too believe the biggest weakness of this team is the HC/DC! Of course JL and the owners, who have way more inside info then I do, totally disagree! Go figure.
July 11th, 2026 at 11:05 am
, is there some way to get better than maybe 50% accuracy with the timing of your show on wdae? On multiple occasions, including this morning, I would see the time posted. Until very recently, you supposedly had it on at 11:00 a.m.. when I finally turned it on this morning at 11:00 a.m., it’s not on. After refreshing my screen again, all of a sudden it’s posted at two completely different times. This has happened quite a few times in the past few months. Obviously not a huge deal. But still annoying. Do the programming times really change that quickly and so often?
July 11th, 2026 at 11:05 am
Previous posts should have started out as ” Joe,….”
July 11th, 2026 at 11:07 am
I’ve been ragging on this topic ever since Gronk left. TE can be a HUGE part of the offense. Since they are often used as blockers they are often overlooked by DBs. Look what Kittle for the 49rs and Kelsey for KC do. They are as important as WRs. Either ours are talent short or no one in charge knows how to use them. My take is that both are true.
July 11th, 2026 at 11:20 am
@ BucsfaninOregon
I agree.
Especially when you have a mediocre QB who has struggled with accuracy issues his entire career…
Why not give him a few more larger targets to hit – ME13 is gone and BM is nervous.
A ton of Glazer cash is on the line.
This is going to fun to watch…
July 11th, 2026 at 11:25 am
@ Bonzai
I agree.
Perhaps the Bucs didn’t invest in the TE position due to the OC…
However – Zac Robinson gave Kyle Pitts the best season of his career in 2025.
Sorry – but I’m just a little disappointed with this TE group knowing our new OC knows how to utilize a solid TE.
July 11th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
Todda the Hutt eating 10 McD’s cheeseburgers for lunch. Thanksgiving will be different this year.
July 11th, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Easy to blame the backup TEs who get few snaps and fewer targets. Otton is getting a bad wrap because of two plays. Come on now. He did the dirty work last year when we had jack left on the O line. Was the offense while other dudes were injured. Lucky to have him. Durham got 4 targets last year. Culp got one…a TD…with 4.47 speed? who knows if he can play? Keift was missed more than most see. Running game?
Go Bucs!
July 11th, 2026 at 2:16 pm
Top 5 OL
Top 10 QB
Top 10 WRs
Top 10 RBs
Some group has to be the weakest on Offense. Best that its the TEs instead of one of the above listed.
Otten is solid both as a blocker and a receiver. Kieft is a very good blocker and excellent special teamer.
The kid that Licht moved up for in the 6th round is the one to watch as training camp and pre-season games unfold… Based on early reports – Sharp could well have been a major steal late in day 3. I wouldn’t be at all surprised at some point this year to see Sharp getting in-season game snaps as the 2nd TE in 12 personnel sets.
Culp is as good as gone… unless they can keep him for the Practice Squad.