The Tampa Bay Buccaneers probably are not going to be one of the most active teams in NFL free agency this year, but after balking on making a big move at the trade deadline, perhaps it is time for Jason Licht and the Bucs to make some bold moves.
Although Josh Grizzard got fired and Baker Mayfield started to receive mainstream criticism after being built up by the press in the first half of the campaign, everyone who actually watches football understands that the Buccaneers atrocious defense was responsible for the team's 2025 collapse and has to be upgraded at all costs this spring.
The Bucs are in need of a defensive overhaul, and the NFL Draft has to be a focal point, in addition to a productive free agency to help revamp a woeful front seven, specifically the pass rush. As such, potential No. 15 overall pick and top tight end in the class Kenyon Sadiq is not as attractive of an upgrade as a linebacker in that spot.
It's time to upgrade from Cade Otton
But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can fill out their one true remaining offensive need and grab Baker Mayfield a much better tight end to complete their juggernaut passing attack by making a smart free agent swoop.
Former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson just joined the Bucs to take over for Josh Grizzard in 2026, and, with him, it is possible he could bring one of the best offensive free agents around in tight end Kyle Pitts, who has a Florida connection after being a truly special college baller at the University of Florida.
Pitts has not fully translated to the NFL, but as his own monster performance against the Buccaneers in a key upset during the playoff race can attest, this is a player who still has the potential to be special in the right environment.
Even at less than his best, the worst version of Pitts is miles beyond Cade Otton, who was arguably the worst starting tight end in the NFL last season when looking at how inconsistent he was and how poor of a blocker he was. On paper, Otton has more upside than what he showed, but in a better offense, he did nearly nothing for much of the season.
Letting Otton walk and replacing him with a more athletic player in Kyle Pitts who is also more versatile and with better hands and route running is a no brainer. If Robinson can bring Pitts with him from Atlanta to Tampa, he will already be a massive upgrade on the Grizz.