Boston Herald Reports Patriots Interest In Cade Otton
March 1st, 2026
The Joe typing here sees the value in Bucs pending free agent tight Cade Otton. It starts with consistent play, including 59 catches in each of the past two seasons.
Only four other NFL tight ends can claim that level of production.
On face value, that alone would mean there will be a market for Otton’s services when the free agency dinner bell rings on Monday, March 9.
Throw in that at 26 years old, Otton has proven to be durable, an OK blocker and is known as an ultimate team guy, and some teams surely will pay Otton a nice salary.
Joe is not overselling Otton. His hands have been shaky at times and he’ll never be confused with being a punishing blocker. If the Bucs move on, it shouldn’t be a crushing blow for a talented Bucs offense.
One team apparently keen on Otton is the AFC champion Patriots. A Boston Herald report behind a paywall said New England are not interested in free agent tight ends Isaiah Likely (Ravens) and Chigoziem Okonkwo (Titans).
“On offense, one league source believes the Patriots will sign a Y (blocking) tight end and draft an F (receiving) tight end, given the availability of both types of players in free agency,” they wrote. “Behind Hunter Henry, No. 2 option Austin Hooper will hit the open market again after a middling season.
“If Hooper leaves, don’t expect the Ravens’ Isaiah Likely or the Titans’ Chigoziem Okonkwo to replace him. Players like Cade Otton (Tampa Bay) and Charlie Kolar (Baltimore) are viewed as better fits, according to a team source.”
Joe wonders if Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel got a thumbs-up on Otton from his old friend Tom Brady, Otton’s 2022 quarterback.