Buccaneers GM Stays Mum on Tight End Depth

Licht declines to tout current tight end talent on roster

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp planes of steel blue, pewter, and burnt orange colors overlapping to create a sense of motion and energy.Licht's reticence to defend the Buccaneers' current tight end group suggests a desire to add more dynamic playmaking at the position.Today in Tampa

During his annual pre-draft press conference, Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht acknowledged the team has been studying tight ends more closely this offseason, suggesting they may look to add a pass-catching specialist at the position. However, Licht did not defend or promote the abilities of the Bucs' current tight end group, including Cade Otton, Payne Durham, and Devin Culp, which raised eyebrows among reporters covering the team.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers' tight end room has been a point of emphasis this offseason, with the team bringing in several prospects for pre-draft visits. Licht's reluctance to tout the existing talent on the roster could signal the team is unsatisfied with the group and looking to upgrade, which would have significant implications for the team's offensive plans and the futures of players like Otton, Durham, and Culp.

The details

During his press conference, Licht acknowledged the Buccaneers have been 'doing their due diligence' on tight ends in this year's draft class, suggesting they may look to add a player who can 'stretch the field' more than their current options. However, when asked about the capabilities of Cade Otton, Payne Durham, and Devin Culp, Licht did not defend or promote their abilities, simply stating it would be 'great' to add a tight end with more pass-catching prowess.

  • Licht addressed the media on April 15, 2026, during the Buccaneers' annual pre-draft press conference.

The players

Jason Licht

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has held that position since 2014.

Cade Otton

A tight end on the Buccaneers' roster, known more for his blocking abilities than as a pass-catching threat.

Payne Durham

A tight end on the Buccaneers' roster who has shown potential but has yet to break out.

Devin Culp

A tight end on the Buccaneers' roster with impressive speed and athleticism, but limited playing time.

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What they’re saying

“This year's draft has a lot of tight ends, so we just wanted to do our due diligence and get to know them as much as we can, just like we do most positions. So yeah, it would be great to add a tight end to the roster that [stretch-the-field] element that maybe some of the others don't. We're happy with our group right now, but we're just doing our due diligence.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s next

The Buccaneers will continue their pre-draft evaluation process, with the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled to take place from April 24-26. It remains to be seen if the team will use one of their draft picks to address the tight end position, or if they will look to bolster the group through free agency or trades.

The takeaway

Licht's comments suggest the Buccaneers may be looking to upgrade their tight end room this offseason, despite having several young players with potential already on the roster. This could signal a shift in the team's offensive philosophy or a lack of confidence in the current group's ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in the passing game.