Bucs Might Not Be Done Adding Another Tight End

On the surface, the Bucs appear set at tight end. They re-signed Cade Otton — a reliable player who has steadily carved out a significant role in the offense. He knows the system, has chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield, and offers a level of consistency that coaches trust. They also brought back Ko Kieft, who returns for his blocking prowess and special teams.

Still on the roster is Payne Durham, the backup tight end that is typically in when the Bucs go to a two-tight end set on offense and is entering a contract year, as well as Devin Culp, who has made the most of his rare opportunities to see the field here and there, scoring his first NFL touchdown last season.

So why would Tampa Bay still consider drafting a tight end? Because “set” and “complete” are two very different things.

Otton gives the Bucs stability. What he doesn’t necessarily provide, at least not yet,  is a true difference-maker at the position. And in today’s NFL, that distinction matters more than ever.

Otton has developed into a solid target in the passing game, particularly in the short and intermediate area, although there can be some gaffes like in games against the Lions and Rams, which led to turnovers. Yet he is assignment-sound, blocks well enough to stay on the field, and rarely makes costly mistakes.

But defenses don’t game plan for Otton. He’s not a match-up problem in the way elite tight ends are. He’s not consistently stretching the seam, dictating coverage, or forcing defensive coordinators to adjust personnel.

And it’s exactly why the Bucs could still look to upgrade the room. Tampa Bay has already met with three different tight ends on official 30 visits during this draft process in Ohio State’s Max Klare, Georgia’s Oscar Delp and Syracuse’s Dan Villari. Tampa Bay also had formal interviews with seven tight ends, including Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, who is expected to be a first-round pick.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles Is Open To Adding Another Tight End

The Bucs have needs at other positions, especially on the defensive side of the ball. But they’re keeping their eye on the tight end position and head coach Todd Bowles is open to adding another to the stable.

“I have, I really have,” Bowles said at the NFL annual meeting about looking at the tight end class. “There’s a ton of them. I think it’s a very heavy tight end draft. It’s a good tight end crop. It’s a solid tight end crop. It’s deeper than it has been in the past. There might not be many at the top, but there a bunch of them from the second round to the fifth round that can really play.”

What Tampa Bay lacks at the tight end is juice – a weapon in the passing game that can stretch the field. There’s no proven vertical threat at the position. No one who consistently threatens linebackers down the seam or forces safeties to respect the middle of the field. That absence can compress the offense, making life easier on opposing defenses, especially in critical situations like third down and the red zone.

Adding a more dynamic tight end changes that. It seems like a better fit for Tampa Bay would be finding a tight end that is physical enough to block but has a little more receiving prowess than Otton. Beyond Otton, there are still question marks and there’s nobody in that group that is a must-keep.

Drafting a tight end could move Durham or Culp to the practice squad with the understanding that Kieft will be on the team for special teams purposes. If that’s the case, so be it. The Bucs have to be smart about upgrading their team.

It’s not about replacing Otton. It’s about complementing him. Imagine a two-tight end set where one player handles the dirty work with in-line blocking and underneath routes, while the other stresses the defense vertically or creates mismatches in space. That’s where modern offenses are trending, and it’s an area where the Bucs could evolve.

Rams head coach Sean McVay has found success using three tight ends in a 13 personnel setting often. Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who comes from the McVay coaching tree, shouldn’t find any issues with using at least two. In Atlanta, Robinson had the league’s second-highest usage of 12 personnel (two tight ends) last year.

The Bucs don’t need to force a draft pick at tight end. They don’t need a savior at the position, either. But they could absolutely use another dimension. The offense has talented pieces. What it’s still searching for are stress-inducing players that force defenses into uncomfortable decisions. Tight end is one of the easiest places to find that mismatch if they have the right player.

Drafting a tight end could give them a ceiling. And for a team trying to take the next step offensively, that’s a combination worth exploring.

Pewter Report spoke with Bowles at the NFL Annual Meeting and had a Pewter Report Podcast episode reacting to the most newsworthy things he had to say during his press conference. Check out the video below and subscribe to our PewterReportTV YouTube channel.