Bucs’ 2023 Offseason Outlook: Tight End 

Rosters have taken shape around the NFL with the height of free agency in the rearview, along with the 2023 NFL Draft. From re-signings to undrafted free agent pickups, each organization is striving to make a mark in 2023. A new year begins, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have put the past behind and are embracing the future. Excitement builds for the Bucs’ revamped offense under the direction of new Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales. Each Bucs position group will be evaluated during the offseason workout program as turnover shifts the depth chart. Next up in the series, let’s take a look at the tight end position.

After the departure of Rob Gronkowski and O.J. Howard last offseason, the Buccaneers prioritized the position in the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting Washington’s Cade Otton in the fourth round and Minnesota’s Ko Kieft in the sixth round. Both made significant contributions during their respective rookie campaigns with Tampa Bay. Otton was utilized as a prototypical hybrid ‘Y’ tight end and Kieft primarily served as a blocker inline.

Otton, who earned the starting role last season, concluded his rookie year with 391 receiving yards on 42 receptions (led all rookie tight ends), a 9.3 average per catch and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score against the L.A. Rams. Otton quickly gained the trust of reverse-aging Tom Brady by showcasing his ability to sustain his blocks, sink when breaking on routes and finding soft spots versus zone coverage. He was a threat underneath and out of the flat, elevating the Bucs’ offense down the stretch. Otton took hard hits down the seam in traffic and produced 19 first downs, consistently moving the chains for the Buccaneers. Kieft used his blocking prowess at the line of scrimmage to create in the run/pass game, providing opportunities for teammates. Kieft finished the season with 80 yards on seven receptions and a touchdown. He made an impact on special teams’ coverage, accumulating a team-high 11 tackles (seven solo) on special teams.

In January, the Bucs continued to bolster the tight end room and signed former Green Bay Packers tight end Dominique Dafney to a reserve/futures deal. Dafney (6-3, 235) most recently spent a week on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad in December and was previously on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad for a month earlier in the season. He went to training camp this past summer with the Green Bay Packers but was waived in August with an injury settlement. Dafney went…