This is the type of player the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans have dreamed of — a true game changer.
ESPN’s Field Yates put out his latest 2026 mock draft on December 10 and predicted the Buccaneers will take University of Oregon star and 2025 Big Ten Tight End of the Year Kenyon Sadiq at No. 19 overall in the first round.
Sadiq, 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, is the kind of freakish blend of athleticism and talent NFL teams would kill for at his position.
Getting Sadiq might be the final piece that sets the Tampa Bay offense for the next 5 years, where he’d be paired with a galaxy of stars in 2024 first round pick and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back Bucky Irving, left offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs and quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“With tight end Cade Otton slated to became a free agent in March, the Bucs are potentially thin at the position,” Yates wrote. “Sadiq is one of best prospects in this class in terms of athletic ability, and he has been great after the catch at Oregon. Scouts have questions about Sadiq’s length, but he’s extremely versatile and can make an impact in an NFL offense. He has 40 catches for 490 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. With aging offensive playmakers in Mike Evans (32) and Chris Godwin Jr. (30 in February), the future of Tampa Bay’s offense could be built around Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Bucky Irving and Sadiq.”
Young, Talented and Ready for NFL Stardom
Sadiq has helped lead the Ducks into the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year — Oregon is 36-4 since he joined the team in 2023.
He’s also only 20 years old and won’t turn 21 years old until March, right before the draft, and spent his first 2 seasons playing behind Los Angeles Chargers tight end Terrance Ferguson.
Even with that, Sadiq still found a way to shine. Most notably with 2 touchdowns in a Big Ten Championship Game win over Penn State. He’s also developed a penchant for hurdling opponents.
“Roughly 32 NFL Play Callers are going to want Kenyon Sadiq,” Coach Dan Casey wrote on his official X account on November 14.
Buccaneers Should Cut Bait on Otton
While Spotrac still projects Otton’s market value in the range of a 4-year, $47.3 million contract, that would be a gross overpay. It’s not out of the realm of possibility to think Otton winds up with a deal more in the range of a 4-year, $20 million contract if he’s lucky.
In 2024, Otton had career highs of 59 receptions for 600 yards and 4 touchdowns in 14 games despite missing 3 games due to injury.
In 2025, he has 46 receptions for 430 yards and zero touchdowns through 13 games.
Otton is in the final season of the 4-year, $4.49 million contract he signed after the Buccaneers drafted him in the fourth round (No. 106 overall) in the 2022 NFL draft.
Instead of giving Otton an extension, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht chose a wait-and-see approach that’s ended up being the smartest move.
There’s also the possibility of an upgrade through free agency — which would be a bit pricier — but Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku should both be available.
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