After a breakout 2024 season, Cade Otton heads into his fourth NFL campaign with a pivotal role in Tampa’s offense. As the team’s primary tight end, Otton is set to benefit from a strong rapport with Baker Mayfield and continued opportunities in both the passing game and red-zone sets.
Otton played in 14 games last season, hauling in 59 receptions for 600 yards and 4 touchdowns, good for about 42.9 yards per game and 10.2 yards per catch. He also ranked 9th among tight ends in targets (87) and 14th in receiving yards (600).
His most productive stretch came during a three-week window when the top receivers were injured — he caught 25 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, showing his ability to step into a featured role as needed.
Otton’s versatility, notably his ability to block inline and run routes in a variety of alignments, makes him a consistent presence on the field. He played 856 snaps in 2024, second only to the quarterbacks and offensive line, and will likely remain a three-down tight end under offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Emeka Egbuka commanding much of the outside and slot work, Otton is expected to anchor the seam and red-zone targets.
He’ll see additional opportunities in play-action and crossing concepts and continues to be a safety valve for Mayfield.
Prediction: 700–800 receiving yards
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers projections: How many receiving yards will Cade Otton secure?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
