Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson plans to leverage Cade Otton’s durability and Payne Durham’s physicality, utilizing heavy two-tight end sets to revitalize Tampa Bay’s versatile scoring attack.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a deep, versatile tight end group that offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will use in different ways for success next season.
Tampa Bay has five tight ends: Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Devin Culp, Ko Kieft and Bauer Sharp. Otton leads the group, especially after receiving a three-year, $30 million contract extension.
The NFL has witnessed a shift in tight end usage, as more teams are running two tight end sets. Robinson ran the second-most 12 personnel last season with the Atlanta Falcons, and he complemented Durham's versatility, which he brings alongside Otton.
“Love the tight end packages that you can have with both of those guys,” Robinson said. “Payne has been a guy that you throw on the tape and the physicality as a blocker, and anytime it’s been thrown to him, he’s making plays as well. He hasn’t had as many opportunities, but Cade and Payne have had some great careers up to this point.”
Robinson's praise for Durham's blocking highlights how much the Buccaneers value their tight ends' blocking ability. Durham, Kieft, Culp and Sharp can make an impact on the field, setting good blocks to open up the run game or protect Baker Mayfield.
Otton leads all tight ends in receiving, after hauling in 59 receptions for 572 yards and one touchdown last season. He's also played the most offensive snaps of them all; 97% in 2023, 92% in 2024 and 93% last season.
Tampa Bay is aiming to maximize its tight end group, but the wide receiver group is deep and talented as well. Robinson has run 11 personnel and 12 in Atlanta, so there could be some balance between the two personnel throughout the season.
“You love 12 personnel, you know, I think the first year in Atlanta we were the heaviest 11 personnel, and then last year we were the second-most 12 [personnel],” Robinson said. “Again, you’re adjusting to who the best 11 are on the field. You love to get base defense out there to get some of those different looks for the run and pass game, but it’s an exciting group. You add in Ko Kieft too, who’s a really good blocker, so there’s some good versatility within that room, and just looking forward to progress from Bauer and the rest of those guys.”
The Buccaneers could see an increase in 12 personnel under Robinson, maximizing the receiving and blocking versatility of the tight end group. They would keep up with the NFL's growing trend while involving everybody on offense.
Tampa Bay's depth at tight end could help revitalize an offense that struggled under Josh Grizzard. Robinson will employ a scheme that gets every position involved and shocks defenses with its versatility.
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