After signing a three-year, $30 million contract extension to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former Washington Huskies tight end Cade Otton has had a quiet start to the season.
Through the first six games of the year, the fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft has tallied 19 catches for 186 yards on just 29 targets, after posting a career-high 59 receptions in each of his last two years. However, as the Buccaneers gear up for a Week 7 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, that could be in line to change.
Not only will Tampa Bay be getting quarterback Baker Mayfield back, who has been out since Week 3 with a dislocated thumb, but Otton should also move up Tampa Bay's pass-catching pecking order.
This catch by Cade Otton 😮 CLEvsTB on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CJC0SvSh0o
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2026
2025 first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is expected to miss Sunday's matchup with a concussion and a knee injury, which could slot in Otton as the No. 2 option for Mayfield in his return behind All-Pro receiver Chris Godwin.
Throughout his career with the Buccaneers, Otton has been a reliable pass catcher and run blocker, and if Egbuka is forced to be sidelined for an extended period of time, with former UW star receiver Jalen McMillan also sidelined with a sprained PCL, Otton could step into a much larger role in the offense.
Sitting at 1-5 on the year, Tampa Bay has struggled offensively and currently sits at No. 25 in the NFL in scoring, averaging just 19.8 points per game and No. 24 in total offense, gaining just 292.7 yards per game.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Cade Otton could take on larger role with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
