Cade Otton has been an unsung hero for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025 for his unselfish mentality and prowess as a blocker. With a bevy of injuries to the Buccaneers' offensive line resulting in an ensuing game of musical chairs at the line of scrimmage, Otton has been asked to help out in protection, which has caused his receptions to slip in the first four weeks of the season.
His stats may not wow - six receptions for 34 yards - but Otton has been an integral enforcer at the line of scrimmage. He is stout at the point of attack versus defensive ends and linebackers. On the opening possession of the Buccaneers' Week four loss to Philadelphia, which included a single first down, Otton paved the way for Bucky Irving's 15-yard gain while pulling out in front.
Otton has created several creases for Baker Mayfield on scrambles on second-level blocks. He is adept on chip and releases, not holding onto blocks too long to become a receiving threat. Otton takes great angles to cut off his assignments to seal off runs. Against Houston in Week Two, he blocked Danielle Hunter one-on-one to set up a Rachaad White touchdown run. Otton had a low pad level and was White's escort across the goal line. He does the dirty work and has been the engine of the Bucs' offense.
"Cade and those guys being selfless and being able to be out of alignment to try and help out on some of the protections where he is not necessarily getting out into a route or if it is a route, it is not something that is vertical, downfield," said Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard. "So that is really where that is coming from. We do intend to try and get him the ball when we can on those kind of things, but what he has been able to do and what those guys have done by taking the team first and to be able to do what is needed, at this current time to get stuff off, he never complains about it and goes to practice and had a hell of a practice today. Hope to get him the ball moving forward."
In 2024, Otton showcased his route-running ability and spurred the offense at its most vulnerable when Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. were sidelined due to injuries. He ran a variety of routes that typically go to Godwin, including options, corners, wheels and out-breakers and he did it with ease. Through Week Eight last season, Otton ranked third in the NFL in receptions among tight ends (36), sixth in receiving yards (344), and tied for fourth in touchdown catches (3). His consistency and well-rounded skillset have bolstered the Bucs' offense in 2025.
