Buccaneers Bring Back Tight End Cade Otton on $20M Deal

The 24-year-old tight end will remain in Tampa Bay after the team's all-time leading receiver Mike Evans departed in free agency.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed tight end Cade Otton to a 3-year, $30 million contract with $20 million guaranteed, keeping the 24-year-old in Tampa Bay after the departure of franchise legend Mike Evans to the San Francisco 49ers.

Why it matters

Otton emerged as a reliable target for Tom Brady in 2025, catching 62 passes for 672 yards and 5 touchdowns. Retaining Otton helps provide stability and continuity for the Buccaneers' offense as they transition to a new era without Evans, one of the best receivers in team history.

The details

The Buccaneers announced the 3-year, $30 million contract extension for Otton, with $20 million of that money guaranteed. Otton was set to become a free agent this offseason, but the Buccaneers moved quickly to lock up the young tight end who has developed into a key part of their passing attack.

  • Otton's contract extension was announced on March 9, 2026.

The players

Cade Otton

A 24-year-old tight end who has spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mike Evans

The Buccaneers' all-time leading receiver, who departed Tampa Bay in free agency to sign a 3-year, $60.4 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

Tom Brady

The veteran quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will be relying on Otton as a key target in the passing game moving forward.

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What they’re saying

“Contract terms: The Buccaneers re-signed TE Cade Otton to a 3-year, $30M contract with $20M guaranteed.”

— Ari Meirov, Reporter, The 33rd Team (Twitter)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will look to continue building around Otton and the rest of their offense as they aim to remain competitive in the NFC South following the departure of Mike Evans.

The takeaway

Retaining Cade Otton on a lucrative 3-year deal shows the Buccaneers' commitment to keeping their young core together, even as they transition away from the Tom Brady-Mike Evans era that defined their recent success.