Position Group: Tight Ends
Players: Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft (Reserve/Injured), Devin Culp
2025 Evaluation: Cade Otton finished second on the Bucs in 2025 with 59 receptions for 572 yards and one touchdown. Due to his blocking ability and efficiency on chip-and-release routes, Otton rarely came off the field and posted 993 snaps. Otton can run a full route tree and is adept at generating yards after catch from the flat. He has a knack for exploiting soft spots in zone and possesses reliable hands. Otton can change speed inside routes and is a threat underneath. He sinks to separate from coverage at the break point and is a threat at all three levels of the field. Otton strikes with physicality at the point of attack as a blocker and helps elevate both the Bucs' run and pass game.
Payne Durham, who primarily served as a blocker in multiple personnel groupings, posted 354 snaps in 2025 and nabbed a single reception. Ko Kieft was placed on injured reserve following a season-ending leg injury in the team's win over the New York Jets in Week Three and in his absence, Durham took on an increased in-line role. He has control and balance as a blocker, as well as adjustment skills in space to spur run lanes. Second-year player Devin Culp, who accumulated 56 snaps in 2025, spent most of the year on the inactive list and produced one reception for a touchdown against the Falcons on Thursday Night Football in Week 15. Opposing coverages and the desire to play 11, 12, or 13 personnel often dictated his responsibility and status week-to-week. He has the speed to push routes vertically and has solid body control in contested catch situations.
2026 Outlook: Both Cade Otton and Ko Kieft, who were a part of the 2022 draft class, have expiring rookie contracts and are set to become free agents in March. Tampa Bay will have decisions to make regarding the position room to maintain depth. Otton's stats may not leave football fanatics salivating; however, coaches and players alike consistently rave about his durability and knack for being "in the right place at the right time" on the field.
