The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ tight end room could look different than expected in Week 1. Cade Otton is dealing with two different injuries, potentially missing some time. If he’s unable to suit up on Sunday, there will be a group of three replacements ready to go.
Otton has developed into a reliable option for Baker Mayfield in the passing game. After a career year that featured 600 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2024, the 26-year-old missing any time would definitely have an impact.
Head coach Todd Bowles has yet to completely rule his starting tight end out for Week 1, expecting to hear more in the coming days.
“[Otton’s] sore,” Bowles said. “He’s got another leg injury in addition to [a hamstring injury], so he’ll be out for a little bit.”
The Main Backup Plan
Heading into year three, Payne Durham is set to be the main replacement if Otton is out. The 2023 fifth-round pick has showcased an ability to produce in all facets as a tight end. He’s seen playing time in each of the last two seasons, even filling in for Otton in 2024.
When Otton went down with a knee injury near the end of last year’s regular season, Durham’s role grew. He became a weapon in the pass game, tallying nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns through the final three games of the year.
Up until then, Durham was mainly utilized as a blocker on the outside. The blocking role isn’t one the 25-year-old shy’s away from, enjoying impacting the game however he can to help his team win.
“That was the role I found myself in last year, being the human battering ram,” Durham said. “I love it… coming in motion across the formation, just throwing my face in there. I think that’s fun. It’s the only time I can do that professionally and not go to jail for it.”
The Wildcard Options
Outside of Durham, the Buccaneers’ depth at tight end is somewhat inexperienced. Ko Kieft shares a similar mindset and skill set in the blocking game, but didn’t record a reception in 2024. He has a total of eight catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns in his career.
The 27-year-old was a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, making a career off his blocking prowess. Kieft appeared in all three of Tampa Bay’s preseason games, without recording any receiving stats. He’ll most likely be in a similar role even if Otton misses time.
On the other end of the spectrum, Devin Culp could be used in a receiving role in Otton’s potential absence. The 2024 seventh-round pick appeared in five games during his rookie year, making plays during the final few contests of the season.
With five receptions for 88 yards in limited playing time, Culp proved he can provide in a pinch. He continued to show success in the pass-catching game during the preseason in 2025, tallying five receptions for 46 yards.
At just 25 years old, heading into his second season, Culp knows he has plenty of room to continue to grow.
“My brain is like a sponge,” Culp said. “I’m around a lot of talented guys. I try to take things from each and every one of their games. Not just route running, but especially the blocking side.”
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