The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and tight end Cade Otton in particular, see the 2025 season as a major one. After three years of consistent development and significant accomplishments, Otton is currently at a career turning point. His rookie contract is coming to an end, and this season might determine whether he stays with Tampa Bay for the long run or if the organization begins to consider life without him.
Buccaneers Eye Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq in 2026 NFL Draft
The Buccaneers may already be looking at alternative options if Otton doesn’t make that change this season. Tampa Bay is predicted to take Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to the PFSN 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
Kenyon Sadiq may very well be TE1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Uber athletic mover after the catch at 6’3, 250 who made the most of opportunities in 2024 while sitting behind Ferguson at Oregon. Raw and versatile with sky high potential. pic.twitter.com/sXNv6DQYnW
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) July 4, 2025
Scouts are taking notice of Sadiq because of his size, quickness, and athletic potential. He is 6’3″ and 245 pounds. Many people think 2025 will be his breakthrough season, but his 2024 college stats, 24 receptions, 308 yards, and two touchdowns, don’t fully capture the picture. If that occurs and Otton doesn’t take that next move, Tampa Bay might be inclined to select a younger, more energetic player at the position.
However, this is not finalized. Otton still has a great chance ahead of him. His coaches trust him, he is familiar with the system, and he has proven himself reliable. He may easily persuade Tampa Bay that he is their man going forward if he can improve this season and transform those respectable numbers into exceptional ones.
For Otton, this year is about proving he belongs, not simply about numbers. Additionally, the Buccaneers may discover in 2025 if their future tight end is already on the roster.
Cade Otton Enters Final Year With Buccaneers: Is 2025 a Prove-It Season?
Otton signed a four-year, slightly less than $4.5 million rookie contract in 2022. He will receive his largest payment with a payout of over $3.7 million in 2025. Although the money isn’t superstar-level, it does show how much the Buccaneers have so far trusted him. The question at hand is whether he can build on that trust to earn something more significant, such as a second contract and a more substantial role in the offense.
In retrospect, Otton quietly compiled a respectable 2024 season with 59 receptions for 600 yards and four touchdowns. Although he wasn’t the most impressive player on the field, he was dependable; he was always willing to move the chains, make the right decision, and come in when the team needed him. However, the Buccaneers might be searching for more than just consistency. They may be searching for someone who can make a difference in the red zone, stretch defenses, and potentially influence games.
