Cade Otton

Otton finished 2025 with 52 receptions and 478 receiving yards (ranked 23rd), 0 receiving touchdowns, and 72 targets (14th), representing a significant step back from previous years. He ranked 34th of 37 qualifying TEs in PFF's overall grade (57.4) and 36th of 37 in receiving grade (58.1).

The Buccaneers have three fantasy-relevant pass-catchers (Egbuka, Godwin, McMillan) making it fairly rare to have all three available at the same time. With Emeka Egbuka as a first-round talent commanding targets, Otton's volume will remain capped.

Otton's contract expired after the 2025 season and he is currently an unrestricted free agent. Multiple reports suggest the Buccaneers may not re-sign him due to his $9.97M APY valuation, potentially leading to a team change that could impact his role and target share.

Otton finished 2025 with just 52 receptions for 478 yards and 0 TDs (ranked 23rd at position), representing a significant step back from previous years. His PFF grades ranked 34th of 37 qualifying TEs overall (57.4) and 36th of 37 in receiving grade (58.1).

Baker Mayfield's play collapsed in the second half of 2025 and he is described as among the most volatile starting quarterbacks in the NFL. While the Bucs won't change QBs in 2026, the organization faces questions about whether to extend Mayfield's contract, creating uncertainty.

Zac Robinson takes over as OC in his first year running Tampa Bay's offense, introducing scheme adjustment risk. While Robinson's McVay-tree system has historically featured TEs, Year 1 install periods often produce inconsistent usage before role clarity emerges.

Otton has established himself as a primary red-zone target and reliable pass-catcher, providing consistent floor value in PPR formats regardless of QB volatility.

New OC Zac Robinson brings McVay-tree DNA: pre-snap motion, play-action layering, and defined TE seam routes are hallmarks of this system. Mayfield reportedly championed Robinson's hire, indicating offensive buy-in. McVay-lineage systems have consistently produced TE volume (Higbee, Everett) and Otton is built for this role.

Otton signed a 3-year, $30M extension ($20M guaranteed, $10M AAV) in March 2026, locking him in as Tampa Bay's unambiguous TE1 through at least 2028. No free agency overhang or depth-chart competition risk for dynasty purposes.

Otton has never dipped below 92% snap share in any season and leads all TEs in offensive snaps over the past three years. The volume floor is elite — any scheme lean toward TE targets would yield immediate fantasy production.

Mike Evans' departure to San Francisco is the single most meaningful development for Otton's dynasty outlook. Evans commanded 100+ targets annually as the offense's alpha — those routes and red-zone looks must be redistributed, and Otton's 41% share in W18 suggests the coaching staff sees him as a primary beneficiary.

Otton finished 2025 strong with 7-of-9 targets for 94 yards and a TD in Week 18 against the Panthers, dominating in the passing game. His size and position in the offense should maintain some red-zone usage regardless of volatility.