Buccaneers Host Top Tight End Prospect Joe Royer

The 6-foot-5, 247-pound Cincinnati standout broke Travis Kelce's single-season receptions record.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:34am

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted University of Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer on a Top 30 pre-draft visit. Royer, a 6-foot-5, 247-pound prospect, broke Travis Kelce's single-season receptions record at Cincinnati in 2024 and is projected by some analysts as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers recently signed veteran tight end Cade Otton to a 3-year, $30 million contract, but some fans have questioned that investment, leading the team to explore other options at the position including the highly productive Royer.

The details

Royer spent his first three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to Cincinnati, where he had a breakout 2024 campaign with 50 receptions for 521 yards and 3 touchdowns. He broke Kelce's single-season receptions record at Cincinnati that year. Through the first 3 games of the 2025 season, Royer has 8 catches for 138 yards and 2 scores.

  • Royer broke Travis Kelce's single-season receptions record at Cincinnati in 2024.
  • Royer is visiting the Buccaneers as part of their Top 30 pre-draft visits in April 2026.

The players

Joe Royer

A 6-foot-5, 247-pound tight end prospect from the University of Cincinnati who broke Travis Kelce's single-season receptions record in 2024.

Cade Otton

A veteran tight end who the Buccaneers signed to a 3-year, $30 million contract in free agency.

Travis Kelce

A 7-time NFL All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler, and 3-time Super Bowl champion tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, considered one of the greatest at his position in NFL history.

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What they’re saying

“Another day another 30 Visit & another TE?!! Bucs are hosting Cincinnati TE Joe Royer on an official 30 visit, per sources. Royer marks the 4th TE the Bucs have brought in behind Oscar Delp, Villari, and Mas Klare. At 6'5, 247 he has good size and soft hands but needs work as a blocker.”

— Jace Allen, NFL Reporter

What’s next

The Buccaneers will continue their pre-draft evaluation process, with Royer's visit being one of several tight end prospects they have brought in for a closer look.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers' interest in Royer, who broke a record held by one of the NFL's elite tight ends, suggests they may be looking to upgrade the position beyond their recent free agent signing of Cade Otton. Royer's combination of size, production, and potential could make him an appealing option for Tampa Bay in the upcoming draft.