The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, like every NFL team, have weaknesses. The trick is to work toward making those units a strength.
For the Buccaneers, the biggest question mark may be at tight end, something that wasn't lost recently on ESPN. The sports network listed the Bucs' unit as the weakest on the entire roster.
Fans may want to disagree with them, but it's hard to see their logic. Outside of Cade Otton, do they have a stellar unit that is ready to give Baker Mayfield a solid go-to outlet?
ESPN names Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end unit as the teams worst position
In 2025, the Bucs' tight end group was one of the worst in the league in terms of yardage per catch. That's not likely to change this year as they are running it back with the entire unit they had last year, or at least most of it. The Buccaneers opted not to add a quality TE in free agency this year.
Fantasy football players know to stay away from the Bucs' tight end room. Otton carries the familiar name, but he scored one touchdown in 2025; it came in week 18. This year, the Bucs' receiving unit is going to be better on paper, even without Mike Evans, which means fewer touches for the TEs.
ESPN's Mike Clay put it perfectly. "Backups, Payne Durham, Devin Culp, and Ko Kieft combined to run seven routes per game last season, and sixth-round pick Bauer Sharp was the only offseason addition." It would be great to point out where he is wrong, but he isn't.
The list of current free agents isn't a good one either. Jonnu Smith may be the best pass-catching tight end available, but he has not replicated his 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins. His one season with the Steelers last year ended abruptly with his release in March. He signed an extension after being traded last offseason.
That being said, there will be no shortage of players on August 30th when the NFL cuts down the mandated 53-man rosters. The pickings may not be great, but they could prove to be better than what the Buccaneers have now. Of course, training camp will point Jason Licht in the direction he needs to go.
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