Following the NFL's least productive tight end season, Tampa Bay faces pressure to bolster Baker Mayfield’s weaponry beyond Cade Otton before training camp kicks off this summer.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering a pivotal season, as they look to reclaim their NFC South crown after falling short last year.
With the departures of franchise legends in Mike Evans and Lavonte David, the front office had some work to do in free agency and the draft.
However, one area of concern remains in the tight end department.
On Friday, NFL.com's Matt Okada listed the TE position as Tampa Bay's biggest remaining roster issue heading into the season.
"The Bucs saw a lot of turnover on defense this offseason, but that side of the ball still looks effective on paper," Okada wrote. "So, once again, I’m eyeing the tight end room. The Buccaneers had the least productive tight end group in the NFL last season -- 61 receptions, 589 yards, two touchdowns -- with Cade Otton accounting for nearly all of those numbers. They only added a Day 3 pick at the position in the offseason, leaving Baker Mayfield’s tight end weaponry lacking an upgrade."
Otton, who the Bucs recently resigned to a 3-year, $30 million contract, has been the main man in the tight end room for multiple seasons, but is yet to breakout.
Last year, Otton recorded 59 catches for 572 yards and just one touchdown, with his lone score coming in the final game of the season against the Carolina Panthers.
While his yardage is solid, Otton's inability to find the endzone consistently has been concerning, as the former Washington pass catcher has just 11 touchdowns in four seasons.
On Monday, BucsRoundtable's Jason Klingensmith noted the lack of production outside of Otton.
"The lack of production behind Otton is almost unbelievable," Klingensmith wrote. "The only other TEs to record any receiving stats were Devin Culp and Payne Durham, who combined for two catches and 17 yards."
Alongside Otton, Culp, and Durham for this season is LSU tight end Bauer Sharp, who Tampa moved up to select with the No. 185 pick in this past year's draft.
After two solid seasons of production at SE Louisiana, Sharp made the jump to the power-four level, joining the Oklahoma Sooners.
Sharp delivered instant impact, leading the Sooners with 42 receptions, adding 324 receiving yards.
Following a lone year in Norman, OK, Sharp transferred to LSU for his senior campaign. With the Tigers, Sharp notched 24 catches for 252 yards and two scores, starting all 13 games.
While adding Sharp is a good addition, one notable free agent tight end remains on the market with significant upside - Jonnu Smith.
Smith spent one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being released and is yet to sign with a team.
While Smith's numbers in Pittsburgh don't jump off the screen, he has shown the ability to be a difference maker in the vertical passing game.
Just two seasons ago, Smith put together the best season of his career with the Miami Dolphins, racking up 88 catches for 884 yards and eight scores.
Smith would bring an element of dynamic playmaking that the Bucs lack in the tight end room, while coming on a cheap price tag.
According to Spotrac, Smith has a market value around $7 million annually, which may have dropped considering his reluctance to sign a deal.
Taking a flier on Smith could be a gamble that pays off, as he plays a similar style of tight end to the Atlanta Falcons' Kyle Pitts, who had a career season under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in 2025.
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