Could the Bucs make a play for a Pro Bowl TE after the NFL Draft?
The Buccaneers have been relatively quiet regarding their tight end room this offseason outside of re-signing Cade Otton and using a 6th round pick on another, but if they’re serious about elevating the position, one name stands out as a potential late addition: David Njoku .
Njoku became a free agent after finishing out a four-year deal with Cleveland that carried an average salary of about $13.7 million per year. But according to Spotrac’s calculated market value , his next contract is projected to be closer to 2 years, totaling roughly $20 million, about $10 million annually.
The Bucs currently sit at just over $11 million in available cap space, per Spotrac’s 2026 cap table. On the surface, that doesn’t leave a ton of room, especially with needing to sign their draft picks, but this is where NFL cap mechanics come into play. A short-term deal for Njoku could be structured with a lower Year 1 cap hit through a prorated signing bonus, making it financially realistic without forcing a major roster move.
They could also make room by restructuring or extending the contracts of current players. So they could afford it.
The real question is whether they should. Njoku would immediately change the dynamic of Tampa Bay’s offense. Over the past two seasons, his usage and production have been in line with solid starting tight ends across the league, averaging over four receptions per game with steady red zone involvement. That’s something the Bucs currently don’t consistently have behind Cade Otton. Njoku would give them that immediately.
He also brings something else the room lacks: experience. At 29 years old with eight seasons under his belt, he’s a proven veteran who has played in multiple offensive systems and handled a significant role. That matters for a young offensive group still finding its identity. He also has chemistry with Baker Mayfield from their time together in Cleveland.
Spending close to $10 million per year on a TE2 isn’t something every team is comfortable doing, especially when there are other needs on the roster like cornerback and safety depth. But if Tampa Bay views Njoku as more than just a backup, more as a co-starter who can elevate the passing game, then the investment becomes much easier to justify.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Could the Bucs make a move for David Njoku after the NFL Draft?
