Buccaneers Sign Tight End Cade Otton, Raising Doubts About Mike Evans' Future

Beat writer Rick Stroud suggests the move could be an "ominous sign" for the team's ability to retain star wide receiver Mike Evans.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed tight end Cade Otton to a new contract, a move that has raised concerns among reporters about the team's ability to retain star wide receiver Mike Evans. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported earlier that Evans, who is coming off an injury-plagued season, is "poised to become a free agent" and that interested teams have "gotten the sense he's serious about leaving Tampa Bay after 12 seasons."

Why it matters

Mike Evans is one of the most productive wide receivers in Buccaneers history, having surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 NFL seasons. His potential departure would be a major blow to the team's offense and could signal the end of an era in Tampa Bay.

The details

The Buccaneers' signing of tight end Cade Otton is seen as an "ominous sign" by beat reporter Rick Stroud, who suggests the move could indicate the team's inability to retain star wide receiver Mike Evans. Evans, who is coming off his worst NFL season due to injuries, is reportedly poised to become a free agent and has given interested teams the impression that he is serious about leaving Tampa Bay after 12 seasons with the team.

  • On March 9, 2026, the Buccaneers signed tight end Cade Otton to a new contract.
  • Earlier on March 9, 2026, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Mike Evans is "poised to become a free agent" and that interested teams have "gotten the sense he's serious about leaving Tampa Bay."

The players

Cade Otton

A tight end who has signed a new contract to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mike Evans

A star wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is coming off an injury-plagued season and is reportedly poised to become a free agent, with interested teams sensing he is serious about leaving the team after 12 seasons.

Rick Stroud

A beat reporter who has suggested that the Buccaneers' signing of Cade Otton could be an "ominous sign" for the team's ability to retain Mike Evans.

Jordan Schultz

An NFL insider who reported that Mike Evans is "poised to become a free agent" and that interested teams have "gotten the sense he's serious about leaving Tampa Bay."

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What they’re saying

“Ominous sign perhaps for the ability to retain Mike Evans.”

— Rick Stroud, Beat Reporter (Twitter)

“Sources: #Bucs legend Mike Evans is poised to become a free agent next hour, and interested teams have gotten the sense he's serious about leaving Tampa Bay after 12 seasons.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider (X)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to decide whether to make a strong push to re-sign Mike Evans or allow him to test free agency, which could have major implications for the team's offense and future plans.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers' signing of Cade Otton and the reports surrounding Mike Evans' potential departure raise significant questions about the team's offensive plans and the future of one of the most productive wide receivers in franchise history. This move could signal the end of an era in Tampa Bay.