TAMPA, Fla. — Cade Otton is making a name for himself in the NFL as an offensive weapon for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, showcasing the potential the team always believed he possessed. The third-year tight end, primarily known for his blocking skills, has become a key target for quarterback Baker Mayfield, especially with wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined due to injuries.
Even if Evans, who is dealing with a hamstring issue, returns after the upcoming bye week, the Buccaneers (4-6) will likely need to keep Otton actively involved in their passing game to lift the team out of a slump that has resulted in five losses out of their last six matches following an initial 3-1 start. Throughout the first ten games of the season, the 2022 fourth-round draft pick from Washington has already set new personal records with 49 receptions and 456 receiving yards, while matching his career-high with four touchdowns.
“Observing how Mike and Chris have performed since I joined the team, I’ve tried to step up in their absence,” Otton remarked, reflecting on his previous season where he recorded 47 catches for 455 yards and four touchdowns over 17 games. “They are critical to our offense and will continue to be upon their return. However, we as a unit have made it a point to elevate our game collectively,” he added, emphasizing his personal dedication to the team’s success.
Mayfield, currently tied with notable quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow for the league lead in touchdown passes with 24, recognizes Otton’s toughness and intelligence on the field as essential to his recent success. “Cade is a player who makes a significant impact. When Mike and Chris are on the field, our offense operates differently. Right now, he’s displaying his physical abilities,” Mayfield explained. “His intelligence and selflessness are evident; he knows how to exploit zones to maximize his effectiveness.”
In the first six weeks of the season, with Evans and Godwin both performing well, Otton’s contributions were less noticeable. The 6-foot-4, 247-pound tight end recorded three or fewer receptions in four of those early games, including just one catch in the season opener against Washington and none at all in a subsequent victory over Detroit. However, since Evans and Godwin exited the lineup following a loss to Baltimore on October 21, Otton has emerged as Mayfield’s primary target, accumulating 30 receptions for 293 yards and three touchdowns over the last four games, all of which resulted in defeats.
“I acknowledge my production has increased recently, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to wins and losses. I’m not content with our performance,” Otton stated about the recent stretch. “Whatever it takes to turn this around is what we need to focus on. If my numbers drop and we secure a win, I would be far more satisfied.”
Coach Todd Bowles has highlighted significant growth in Otton’s game, particularly his route running. “He had the capability all along; we just didn’t ask him to showcase it with other players in those roles. Now, with the opportunity to take on receiver responsibilities, his route running has become more prominent,” Bowles explained.
Both Evans and Godwin are known for their impressive receiving stats; Evans has crossed the 1,000-yard mark ten times in his career and holds the franchise record for career receptions and scoring, while Godwin, a four-time 1,000-yard receiver, was leading the league in receptions before his injury. Bowles mentioned hope for Evans’ return as early as November 24 against the New York Giants.
Offensive coordinator Liam Coen is optimistic about Otton’s ability to continue flourishing once Evans and other recovering playmakers return. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for him and for us as an offense to know we have another dependable player,” Coen shared.
Otton remains committed to helping the Buccaneers, who have clinched the last three NFC South titles and made four consecutive playoff appearances, to turn their season around. “We believe we can compete with the top teams, and we see ourselves in that category; we just need to show it on the field. There’s a sense of urgency, but we aren’t falling apart or blaming each other. We’re just getting back to work and doing whatever it takes to win,” Otton concluded.