Cade Otton: Everything you need to know

Otton is finalizing a deal that will have him re-sign with the Buccaneers on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Otton, a 2022 fourth-round pick, was positioned as one of the top available tight ends on the free-agent market, but he'll instead remain in a familiar offense with quarterback Baker Mayfield at the helm. Otton's time in Tampa Bay has largely been characterized by lofty snap counts and low target rates, though he's proven capable of handling larger receiving workloads when injuries at WR necessitate it. He made 58 regular-season starts over the course of his rookie contract, posting his best receiving line in 2024 (59-600-4) despite missing three games. Otton dropped to 59-572-1 last season, with six fewer targets (81) in two more games (16).

Otton secured seven of nine targets for 94 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 16-14 win over the Panthers on Saturday. Otton comfortably set the pace for the Buccaneers in receptions, receiving yards and targets, and the middle figure was also a new season high. The fourth-year pro delivered multiple key catches, including an 18-yard TD grab to open the scoring in the first quarter, as well as a 20-yard reception just before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter that helped Tampa Bay burn some precious time while nursing a two-point lead. Otton's touchdown was his first of the season, and he finished the 2025 regular-season campaign with a career-high-tying 59 receptions and the second-highest receiving yardage total of his four seasons (572).

Otton caught all four of his targets for 33 yards in the Bucs' loss to the Dolphins on Sunday. It marked Otton's highest yardage output since Week 10, but the tight end remains scoreless on the season. With all of the Bucs' wideouts healthy, Otton's a low-floor, low-ceiling fantasy bet ahead of next Sunday's Week 18 date with the Panthers. Otton caught just two passes for 15 yards on two targets against Carolina in Week 16.