The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have two of the most overpaid offensive players in the NFL entering the 2026 season. Both wide receiver Chris Godwin and tight end Cade Otton are too highly paid at their respective positions, according to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports.
Podell noted that the Bucs will likely want to get out of the Godwin deal after this year, given how much they have paid him.
“He is set to make a whopping $22 million in guaranteed salary this season, and barring a miraculous turnaround in his age-30 season, Godwin won’t be playing out the final year of his deal in 2027, when Tampa Bay can save $13.7 million by releasing him,” wrote Podell.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Have Two of the Most Overpaid Players
GettyCade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
For Otton, Podell noted that the team signed him with expectations of something more to come.
“Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton’s extension kicks in this season, but the Buccaneers are still awaiting a breakout from the 27-year-old,” wrote Podell.
However, as Podell notes, they have been waiting long enough and have yet to give them the production they have been betting on.
“With Mike Evans missing a career-high nine games last season because of various injuries, Otton did not step up as the next big-bodied target for quarterback Baker Mayfield, with just 572 yards receiving and a career-low 1 receiving touchdown on 59 catches,” wrote Podell. “His guaranteed money protects him from being a cap casualty in 2026, but Otton will need to have a big year in the coming season.”
The Bucs have been cautious handing out money this offseason. Things got contentious with defensive tackle Vita Vea before the two sides came together on a deal. Baker Mayfield cut off extension talks with the team after feeling disrespected. The Bucs have felt the hurt of past extensions and are playing things a bit tighter.
Godwin and Otton Have Big Expectations in 2026
Plenty of receivers make big salaries, so Godwin is still the 25th highest-paid receiver, despite the $25M per year price tag. Still, last season Godwin ranked 79th in yards and 63rd in yards per route run. He is coming off a fractured ankle in 2024, and his speed clearly was not the same in the following season.
Now, the question is whether he can get back to his old ways now that he is more than a year removed, or if the age and injury have caught up to him. Either way, the team might be moving on after the season. They have Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Ted Hurst ready to fill in as the starting three at receiver.
Otton is the 15th highest-paid tight end, and he was 15th in yards. However, he was also 37th in yards per route run. So, he produced so much because he played more than any other tight end.
Still, when looking at the Bucs situation, it is understandable why the team wants to see a big season from quarterback Baker Mayfield. He has two highly paid pass catchers and three young ascending pass catchers.
He has two talented running backs, and his offensive line is fully healthy. The Bucs need Mayfield to make these contracts look good, and he will earn a big contract.
Buccaneers Have 2 of NFL’s Most Overpaid Players