Rookie the Gronk replacement?

Speculating on the team's replacement plan in the wake of TE Rob Gronkowski's (2nd) retirement, Scott Smith of the team website highlights the potential of 4th-round rookie Cade Otton. Smith says "there is the potential for him to be the one tight end the Buccaneers keep on the field most often," with receiving skills that "many draft analysts" believe exceed his college usage and the fact that he's "already considered an above-average and very willing blocker." Smith goes on to say that there might not be a "single clear answer" and that the Bucs could just blend Otton, fellow rookie Ko Kieft, vet Cameron Brate and perhaps 1 more player. Otton is primarily a name to know for dynasty usage, but this also serves as a reminder to temper fantasy expectations for Brate. He's likely the team's best receiving bet at the position with Gronk gone. But Brate has also played less than 40% of Tampa Bay snaps in 3 straight years. Just 2 of those included Gronkowski, and he missed 5 games in 2021.

Bucs TE Cade Otton tallied a 6-70-2 line in the 39-37 Week 9 loss to the Texans. The second TD was a particularly tough catch in tight coverage to give Tampa Bay a short-lived lead with less than one minute to go. Otton's nine targets in this one led the team and were a big 30% share. This will very likely go down as the best game of Otton’s season (maybe his career). But he’d totaled nine catches on 12 targets over the previous two games, so his role might be growing. Otton might be worth adding in deeper fantasy leagues, although the next two weeks bring negative matchups against the Bucs and 49ers. Otton does still get positive draws vs. the Colts (Week 12) and Falcons (Week 14).

Bucs TE Cade Otton shared some insight on new OC Dave Canales’ offense. “I think it’s a really good opportunity for us to get the ball in our hands,” Otton said. “I think easy completions is a big thing in this offense – making it easy on the quarterback. Then for us tight ends, getting the ball early in the down and trying to make plays down the field. So that’s a really exciting opportunity for us. You know they’re going to give us opportunities to do it, and then it is up to us to make the play and earn trust from the quarterbacks and the coaches.” Otton recorded 42-391-2 as a Round 4 rookie alongside Tom Brady. The 24-year-old won't be on the streaming radar to begin next season.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (quadriceps) practiced in full again on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation for Week 17 vs. the Panthers. At first glance, Otton's 23 targets (8th-highest among TEs) since Week 13 pique some fantasy interest. Digging a little deeper, you'll find the rookie ranks 26th in target share (11.9%) with a mere 9.2% air yards share in that span. Otton is a decent speculative albeit unreliable TE streamer in Week 17 on raw volume alone, but that's about it.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (quadriceps) practice fully on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. This upward trend bodes well for the rookie's status ahead of Week 17 vs. the Panthers. We'll keep an eye on his status tomorrow in case anything changes.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (quadriceps) did not practice on Wednesday. We'll continue to track the rookie's status for Week 17 vs. the Panthers as the week evolves. Check back in tomorrow for updates.