The Buccaneers Must Unleash Cade Otton in 2026

Cade Otton has quietly become one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ most dependable offensive players. He has steadily improved each season while becoming a trusted target for Baker Mayfield. If that growth continues, 2026 could easily become the best season of his career.

Otton has steadily improved every season since entering the NFL. If that trend continues, this could become the best year of his career.

Reliability Has Never Been the Question

Otton has earned Mayfield’s trust through consistency. He makes difficult catches, blocks effectively, and handles every assignment asked of him.

Those contributions rarely generate headlines. They do, however, keep him on the field in every situation.

The problem isn’t Otton’s ability. It’s how often his versatility limits his receiving opportunities.

The Buccaneers Need to Feature Him More

Last season, Otton finished with 59 receptions for 572 yards. He also recorded 309 yards after the catch, ranking 11th among NFL tight ends.

Those numbers suggest there is more production available.

Too often, Otton stays in pass protection or helps create running lanes. Those responsibilities matter, but they also reduce his chances to impact games as a receiver.

If Tampa Bay wants more from its passing attack, the coaching staff should send Otton into more routes.

His Connection With Baker Mayfield Can Become Even Stronger

Mayfield has already shown he trusts Otton in critical moments. That chemistry should become even more valuable this season.

Defenses will focus heavily on Chris Godwin and rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka. That attention should create favorable matchups for Otton over the middle.

Mike Evans is also no longer in Tampa Bay. Without his longtime top target, Mayfield may distribute the football more evenly.

That could create more opportunities for a dependable target like Otton.

More Red Zone Targets Should Be a Priority

At 6-foot-5, Otton presents difficult matchup problems near the goal line.

His size and reliable hands make him an ideal red-zone option. Yet, the Buccaneers have not consistently taken advantage of that strength.

A handful of additional touchdown opportunities could transform a solid season into a career year.

Improvement Is Exactly What Tampa Bay Needs

Otton doesn’t need to become the league’s next superstar tight end.

He simply needs more opportunities to showcase the skills he already possesses.

If the Buccaneers expand his role, Otton has every chance to post career highs across the board. That steady growth could become one of the biggest reasons Tampa Bay’s offense takes another step forward in 2026.

Reality Check 

The Buccaneers offense struggled in 2025 due to several reasons. First and foremost, the Offensive Coordinator. Josh Grizzard was absolutely out of his depth. He had no business being hired for the position. Then the team delt with the majority of their offensive line missing time with injuries. Last, but definitely not least, quarterback Baker Mayfield was playing with a litany of injuries.

But that’s all in the past, hopefully. This year the Bucs NEED more production from the Tight End position. Cade Otton to be specific. The team has a competent OC now, so this should be an easy ask.