Cade Otton has been a steady tight end for Mayfield and the Bucs. He has yet to put up the big numbers like others at his position, such as a prime Travis Kelce or Brock Bowers, but his reliability can't be questioned.
For Cade Otton, a successful 2026 season doesn't have to end with All-Pro honors or a trip to the Pro Bowl. Instead, it should be measured by whether he continues building on the steady progress he's made since entering the league.
While he has not emerged as Mayfield’s number one target, he has earned the trust of his quarterback and the coaching staff. His ability to block, make difficult catches and do the little things often goes unnoticed, but those traits have helped him become an important part of the offense.
Success is on the Bucs more than Otton
If Otton is going to post his most productive season yet, the Buccaneers don't need him to become a completely different player. They simply need to create more opportunities for him as a receiver. In 2025, Otton had 59 catches and 572 yards, and his 309 yards after the catch were 11th among NFL tight ends, per Sumer Sports.Too often, his versatility dictates he remain in pass protection or asks him to help in the running game. Those responsibilities are valuable, but they also limit the number of routes he runs and the chances he has to make plays downfield.
Another key will be continuing to build the chemistry he has developed with Mayfield. When defenses devote extra attention to Emeka Egbuka or Chris Godwin Jr., Otton can be a reliable option over the middle of the field. Also, without Mike Evans, who signed with the 49ers this offseason, Mayfield may be looking to spread the ball around more this season. Quarterbacks value players they can trust in critical situations, and Otton has consistently demonstrated that he can move the chains.
Finally, the Buccaneers could benefit from looking his way more often in the red zone. At 6-foot-5, he has the size and frame to create matchup problems near the goal line. A few additional touchdown opportunities could make a noticeable difference in what ends up being his best statistical season.
Otton doesn’t need to become one of the NFL's elite pass-catching tight ends overnight. That's not the standard he should be judged by. If he continues improving his production, remains a dependable all-around player and takes another step forward as a receiver, he can help the Bucs win. Sometimes steady growth is exactly what an offense needs.
