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Helmets of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a preseason game at EverBank Field on August 17, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Free agency is just around the corner and as one Tampa Bay Buccaneers player is preparing for it, other franchises are assessing which soon-to-be free agents will be the best potential fit for their rosters. Bucs tight end Cade Otton is one such imminent free agent who is having to set his sights on the best possible matches and openings with other teams.

Professional teams are currently assessing who could be a solid fit for their roster, and players are prepping to make the transition to a new home stadium. As Otton approaches unrestricted free agency after his stint with Tampa Bay, there are a handful of teams where he could realistically land in 2026.

The Denver Broncos May Be Interested in the Tight End

GettyCade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown with Chris Godwin Jr. #14 during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.

Perhaps the most frequently discussed potential landing spot for Cade Cotton is the Denver Broncos. The franchise has been linked to Otton in free agency discussions given that their current tight end room has lacked consistency and dependable production, even with the presence of players like Evan Engram in recent seasons.

Otton offers a balanced set of skills as a tight end which fit Denver’s offensive schemes. Given the TE’s strenghths on the field, he would be able to contribute both as a blocker and as a pass-catching, particularly in heavier personnel groupings. Otton’s durability and experience starting in diverse offensive packages would be an added advantage as the Broncos look for stability with robust tight ends.

Jacksonville

GettyCade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball after a catch during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.

Denver is one possible team that could have plausible interest in Cade Otton, though another likelihood to take on a free agent like the TE could be the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although the franchise has added depth players at tight end recently, such as the team’s signing of Quintin Morris in 2025, the departures of more established players like Evan Engram and Luke Farrell have left both the opportunity and the need for team to bring on a consistent second-level receiving threat.

Projections from analysts and fans alike have already been floating the idea of Cade Otton going to Jacksonville given his familiarity with emerging offenses and the potential to step into a larger role.

Even though Otton may not be among the highest profile players entering free agency soon, his skill set as a TE and experience make him a sound fit for multiple franchises with tight end needs in the 2026 offseason. Denver and Jacksonville are perhaps the strongest fits based on obvious roster vacancies each of those teams is currently facing, but opportunities with other teams could arise as free agency unfolds.

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