The mini rivalry between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars has reached a boiling point. It could even tip over if rumors about a certain signing come to light.
Ever since Liam Coen left the Bucs for Jacksonville, the two teams have been at odds despite not facing each other on the field. Now, even more friction could be crated as there are rumors that the Bucs’ star tight end Cade Otton could reunite with his former coach in Jacksonville.
After both teams headed in different trajectories this past season, with Coen’s Jaguars making the postseason and the Bucs missing it for the first time since 2019, the Jags could be looking to continue adding salt to Bucs’ fans’ wounds. According to Greg Auman, Cade Otton is the potential perfect fit to take an already explosive offense to new heights.
A Familiar Fit in Liam Coen’s System
“Otton, 26, has played a ton for the Bucs, with at least 92% of offensive snaps in each of the last three years.” Auman wrote of Otton. “He’s averaged 52 catches and 500 yards in Tampa, but he’s also totaled only 11 touchdowns, getting his lone score of 2025 in the season finale.”
It would be an especially tough loss for the Bucs, as he would not only be headed to the Jags, but the Bucs would have to find a new replacement as they have little reinforcement behind Otton. Whether it be in the draft or testing the free agent market, the Bucs would have to do a complete reset at the position.
Two-Tight-End Sets and Offensive Evolution
Interestingly, the Jaguars aren’t necessarily begging for help at the position. With the emergence of Brenton Strange as a capable pass catcher as well as blocker, Otton would be seen as a surplus signing. As the league continues its shift in offensive mindset by using multiple tight ends, Coem could see a benefit in having someone who he’s familiar with play in this offense.
As Auman mentioned, Otton is a highly capable pass catcher. In 2024, he proved as much by catching 59 passes for 600 yards and four touchdowns, with Coen his offensive coordinator. While Strange also has a tremendous season to his name, catching 46 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns, they could be a perfect balance, with Strange also impressing as more of a blocker.
Especially considering that Trevor Lawrence had somewhat of a resurgence last year, both could see a lot of targets in this offense. Just ask the Rams, who parlayed multiple tight end sets into an NFC Championship Game appearance. Of course, having the receivers they do helps, but the Jags are getting there.
For the Bucs, while it will be tough to see an elite weapon like Otton go, it may not be the end of the world. They still have elite receivers and there is a chance that a player like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq could fall to them in the draft.
For two teams who are currently at odds with each other, this could end up being a win-win situation for both.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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