In 2024, tight end Cade Otton has immersed himself in a new offensive system. Under the direction of Liam Coen, Otton's third offensive coordinator in the Bay, the revitalized offense will feature a heavy dose of shifts and motions to bait defenses. The diversified scheme, aimed at marrying the run and the pass, is structured to get playmakers in space to create advantageous matchups.
"Yeah, I think coach is huge on utilizing players – receivers, tight ends, running backs - in space and their tools to get the ball. He allows players to do what they do best, and I think that has just been a fun learning process to pick up the nuances of that and carve out a role," described Otton. "We have great receivers and that kind of gives me freedom to work and to put the ball in certain situations, so it has been fun."
Otton, the team's hybrid 'Y' tight end, played an astounding 97% of the Bucs' offensive snaps in 2023 (1,194), easily the highest percentage for any tight end in the league. He finished last year's campaign with 455 yards on 47 receptions and four touchdowns. Otton posted an average of 9.7 yards per reception and emerged as a threat over the middle of the field. He may not be the flashiest player or 'wow' on the stat sheet, but Otton makes an indelible mark when he is on the field, whether creating yards on an out-and-up or picking up blitzers on chips. Otton does not provide the defense with a tell when he is on the field, with his blocking capability and effectiveness selling chip-and-releases. He is able to separate from coverage with fluidity out of breaks and exploits soft spots in zone.
"I think consistency has just been instilled in me for a long time from my grandpa to my dad and playing football in high school," said Otton. "I like to play every single down; I love playing football. I just try to approach every game the same way and to do the job to the best of my ability and try to get open, or block. Whatever is called upon me, I try to do it well. When I played basketball, I loved taking the charge. It was not going to show up on the stat sheet, but it helped the team immensely. I like taking charges in football and doing things that show up in the win column but not the stat sheet."
Last season, the Buccaneers were operating out of two tight end sets 28.3% of the time (13th) leading into the Divisional Round. In 2024 out on the practice fields during training camp on Thursday, there was an uptick in multiple personnel groupings, maximizing Otton's skillset. Otton lined up in various spots along the formation and moved the chains. He will play an integral role in the Bucs' offense come fall, serving as a bridge between the run and pass.
