Heading into the 2024 season, Bucs tight end Cade Otton had some big personal goals for himself. Otton not only wanted to play in the Pro Bowl in 2025, but he also wanted to be a “great blocker.”
49ers tight end George Kittle and Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who played the NFC’s representative positions, did not make the Pro Bowl but will progress as a blocker and pass catcher. It was successful.
In his third season, the young tight end had 59 receptions for 600 receiving yards, an all-time career high and matched his four touchdowns in 2023. What did Otton think when he looked back on what he set out to do after the season?
Cade Otton: “I felt better.”
Bucks TE Cade Otton – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Pewter Report caught up with Cade Otton, who suffered a fall at the hands of his manager in the wild-card round, and other Bucks players as they pack up their lockers and head into the offseason.
While many players are still reeling from the loss and understandably depressed about how it ended, Otton was optimistic about how the season played out for him.
“I felt like I got better,” Otto said of his progress this year. “That’s my goal every day, every week, every season. I just want to grow and be the best player for my team. I feel like I accomplished that this year.”
After wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin left with injuries midway through the season against the Ravens, it was Otton who stepped up as the No. 1 target in the passing game until Evans returned.
He was the most productive tight end in football for three straight games, catching 25 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns. In just three weeks, that’s just over 40% of his season total receptions and yards and 75% of his touchdowns.
Otton will look to be a more consistent attack next year in offensive coordinator Liam Cohen’s offense, but believes he and the other tight ends in the room will fit well into the system.
“He does a great job of changing up looks and scattering the ball,” Otton said of Cohen’s offense. “Different run schemes, different pass schemes. I feel like I helped accomplish some of those things. All the other tight ends did that. We did what our coaches asked us to do. We prided ourselves on being able to do anything, and we all did it really well.”
Cade Otton isn’t the only one promising trouble for the Bucks.
Bucks TEs Payne Durham and Cade Otton – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Cade Otton had his best season ever in 2024, but he wasn’t the only Bucs tight end to make the most of his opportunity. Payne Durham and Devin Culp replaced Otto when he went down with a knee injury late in the regular season.
Durham scored two touchdowns in as many games, but Culp went from inactive to very active, with five receptions for 88 yards in Weeks 17 and 18.
The starters are very complementary to his backups, each continuing to grow and help each other improve.
“Both were great players, great athletes and really hard workers,” Otton said. “We really enjoyed coming to the facility every day. We’re keeping it light, but we’re pushing to the grindstone and working to get better.” When they do, you see it show up and make plays.”
After selecting tight end on Day 3 of the 2022, 2023 and 2024 NFL Drafts, the Bucs are unlikely to spend another pick at the position this offseason. Rather, it will be up to the trio and Co-Kyeft to utilize their skill sets and make the most of their opportunities. Under the guidance of Tight ends coach Justin Peel This past season, they looked ready for whatever was “thrown at them.”
Head coach Todd Bowles spoke about this group in his end-of-season press conference, saying, “They were also one of the groups that made the fewest mental mistakes during the season.” “coach [Justin] Peele does a great job acquiring Cade [Otton] Ready, bring Pein. [Durham]get [Devin] Culp is ready with Ko. [Kieft] It’s available and allows you to use different types of players to do what they do best. ”
Cade Otton talks about how Baker Mayfield’s leadership is ‘special’
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and TE Cade Otton – Photo by Jeffrey Jones/PR
In addition to speaking highly of his fellow tight end, Cade Otton also talked about quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is having a career year himself, and the two share a unique bond. Even when he was unhappy when Otto shaved his mustache. and later his hair.
“Baker is a very personable guy when you get to know him,” Otton said. “He’s the same to us as he is to you. He tells jokes, he’s kind, he’s fun, but he’s also very competitive. We always talk about life, jokes, soccer, etc. You can have a conversation. I’ve never been anywhere else and only worked with one other quarterback. [in Tom Brady]But I think it’s pretty special in terms of how he runs and leads our team. ”
Returning to Otto’s appearance, there is nothing more he can do to change his style. Regardless of what Mayfield thinks, that decision will depend on his wife’s verdict.
As for what he’ll do with his hair next season, Otto said, “That’s a good question. There aren’t too many other combinations you can do.” “Let’s see what my wife suggests and what she approves of. She’s number one, but I actually suggested a shaved head. She liked it, and she liked the mustache too. [laughs]. Let’s see what happens next, but nothing is really planned. ”
