As the Buccaneers continue locking up core contributors from their 2022 draft class, tight end Cade Otton is quietly positioning himself as the next name on Tampa Bay’s extension radar.
A fourth-round pick out of Washington, Otton has grown into one of the league’s most dependable all-around tight ends. He may not draw national headlines, but inside the Bucs’ building, he’s earned a reputation for consistency, toughness, and reliability,traits that often translate into long-term value. In 2024, Otton put together his most complete season yet: 59 receptions for over 600 yards and four touchdowns. He also logged one of the league’s highest snap counts for a tight end, playing over 90 percent of Tampa Bay’s offensive plays.
Whether in 12 personnel or spread sets, Otton was a fixture on the field as he’s trusted as both a pass-catcher and an in-line blocker.
At just 26 years old, Otton is entering the final year of his rookie contract and remains firmly entrenched as the Bucs’ TE1. With no clear long-term threat behind him on the depth chart, Tampa Bay may look to lock him up sooner rather than later, especially as the tight end market continues to evolve. If the Bucs move forward with an extension, Otton’s value likely falls into the second tier of tight end salaries. He’s not a volume receiver like Travis Kelce or George Kittle, but his snap count, versatility, and dependability compare favorably with players like Dawson Knox, Tyler Higbee, and Hunter Henry. That group has landed deals in the $8–10 million per year range, a likely target window for Otton.
A realistic contract projection could be a three-year extension worth around $27 to $30 million, with roughly $15 million guaranteed. That would reward Otton’s steady development, keep him in Tampa through his prime years, and give the Bucs continuity at a position that often takes time to develop. Otton may not be the flashiest player on the roster, but he’s become one of its most trusted.
If Tampa Bay wants to continue building around its homegrown core, keeping him around makes perfect sense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What could an extension for Buccaneers’ Cade Otton look like?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
