After spending the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tight end Cade Otton could request a trade from the team as he’s in his contract year. According to a report, Otton would love to stay in Tampa for the long term, but he wishes the same energy would be reciprocated. Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Washington product never became a reliable contributor as a top tight end for the team, as he has yet to have a breakout season. Despite surpassing backup Cameron Brate for the starting job after Rob Gronkowski’s retirement, Otton has been improving each year, but nothing on the level that could intrigue the Buccaneers to give him an extension.
Unfortunately, the road will probably get rocky for Otton as quarterback Baker Mayfield has a ton of options to throw to at the wide receiver position, drafting Emeka Egbuka this year, who will likely get more looks in the aerial attack. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer in that same mix, it’s safe to say that Otton will probably record low numbers either way if he ever did have any momentum in Tampa Bay. This is the same reason why they’ve been investing in tight ends during the late rounds, drafting Ko Kieft and taking Payne Durham alongside, but the good news is that they’re more for blocking situations. However, no one should cast doubt if the Buccaneers decide to dangle him on the trade block, but for this post, here are the top three teams that could pursue Otton once he becomes a free agent.
Could Former Buccaneer Fourth Rounder Cade Otton Request a Trade? – 3 Potential Fits
Best Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
If any quarterback in the league can thrive throwing the football to his tight end unit, it’s Justin Herbert. The Los Angeles Chargers took veteran Tyler Conklin this offseason and signed him to a one-year deal to help supplement Will Dissly. This makes sense as the team is finding ways to improve the aerial attack for Herbert, but why not continue building on it for years to come? Otton isn’t going to get first-team reps in this offense, but he could emerge as a capable starter as top passes by once Dissly starts to slow down with age and/or Conklin doesn’t live up to the moment.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys extended Jake Ferguson despite rumors that they would hold off on granting a new deal since he’s coming off an unproductive year last season. This didn’t stop the team from handing out a new contract, but with Luke Schoonmaker and John Stephens as your depth guys, they could do better here. Otton won’t take snaps away from Ferguson, but the potential duo could make each other better, which is a win-win scenario for Dak Prescott.
Washington Commanders
However, the Washington Commanders are mixing the old with the new offense for quarterback Jayden Daniels. The team re-signed Zach Ertz to a one-year deal while extending John Bates as well. Bates is more of a run-blocker than he is a capable receiver, and since Ertz is winding down in his career, Otton would be the safe, cost-controlled choice for the Commanders until they find someone else in a future draft.
The post “I’d Love If That Was Reciprocated” – Could Former Buccaneer Fourth Rounder Request a Trade? appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.