Why Re-Signing Cade Otton Just Makes Sense for the Bucs
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into a pivotal offseason, one of the more under-the-radar decisions looming involves tight end Cade Otton. Set to hit free agency after completing his rookie contract, Otton isn’t the kind of name that dominates headlines-but that’s exactly what makes this decision so important.
He’s not a superstar, but he’s been steady, reliable, and quietly productive. And for a Bucs team trying to maintain balance amid roster turnover, that kind of player matters.
A Reliable Target in a Shifting Offense
Over four seasons in Tampa Bay, Otton has hauled in 207 catches on 300 targets, racking up over 2,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they tell a clear story: Otton has been a dependable piece in the offense.
He’s not Travis Kelce or George Kittle-and the Bucs haven’t asked him to be. What he has been is consistent, and in the NFL, consistency is currency.
With Mike Evans hitting free agency and the offense in transition, Otton’s value goes beyond the box score. There’s a clear need for veteran stability, especially with young players like Emeka Egbuka expected to take on bigger roles.
Otton fits that mold. He’s familiar with the system, has chemistry with the quarterback room, and has proven he can be counted on when the team needs a chain-moving catch or a red zone option.
Cost-Effective Continuity
Here’s the other part of the equation: cost. Tight end Ko Kieft is also set to walk in free agency, meaning the Bucs could be looking at a complete reset at the position if Otton isn’t brought back.
And replacing him on the open market won’t come cheap. A starting-caliber tight end with blocking chops and receiving upside could easily command $15-$20 million per year.
That’s not a price tag Tampa Bay should be chasing right now.
Otton, on the other hand, is likely to command something closer to $10 million annually-or even less. That’s a team-friendly number for a player who already knows the offense and has proven he can handle the workload. In a league where cap space can evaporate quickly, locking in a solid contributor at a manageable price is a win.
A Fit for Zac Robinson’s Scheme
New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson brings a system that leans on tight ends to keep drives alive and create mismatches in the red zone. That’s good news for Otton, whose role could expand in a more dynamic, motion-heavy scheme. He’s shown flashes of being more than just a safety valve-he can stretch the seam, find soft spots in zone coverage, and hold his own as a blocker.
If Robinson’s offense leans into tight end usage the way many expect, Otton could see his numbers climb. But even if he doesn’t take a statistical leap, his presence would help smooth the transition into a new system. That kind of continuity is hard to quantify-but it’s exactly what the Bucs need right now.
The Smart Play
This isn’t about upside or potential. It’s about fit, familiarity, and financial sense.
Otton has already shown he can do the job. Letting him walk would create a hole the Bucs don’t need-and one that might be expensive to fill.
For a team navigating roster changes and trying to stay competitive in a shifting NFC South, the smart move is often the simple one. Re-signing Cade Otton won’t make headlines.
But it could help Tampa Bay stay steady at a position that’s quietly critical to offensive rhythm. And right now, that’s exactly the kind of move the Bucs should be making.