Entering the 2023-24 NFL offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a few holes to plug on their roster, especially on offense. By locking up both their long-term solutions at quarterback (Baker Mayfield) and wide receiver (Mike Evans), the Buccaneers were able to extend their competitive window a few seasons.
But they will need help from all over, especially with almost $55 million in dead cap sitting on the books for this upcoming season. While this roster has plenty of big-name talent, which underrated sleepers could stand out for Tampa Bay in 2024?
Jalen McMillan
While both Evans and Chris Godwin will steal the show at receiver, this offense needs to find a long-term solution at WR3, and rookie Jalen McMillan looks to fit the bill. The third-round rookie out of Washington will look to compete with incumbent Trey Palmer and offseason signee Sterling Shepard for this role.
McMillan was not talked about a ton during the pre-draft process, likely overshadowed by teammate and ninth-overall selection Rome Odunze. But the trio of McMillan, Odunze, and Ja’Lynn Polk, all three of which were drafted, paired with Michael Penix Jr. to form a really strong passing attack for the Huskies.
Even with Dave Canales now in Carolina, the passing attack will be a strong part of the Tampa Bay offense next season. While the WR3 won’t be handed to McMillan, early signs out of camp point to the rookie having made a good first impression.
Logan Hall
The lone defensive player on our underrated sleepers list is pass rusher Logan Hall, who was drafted with the first pick of the second round in the 2022 NFL Draft. While Hall did see an uptick in his snap count last season (compared to his rookie year), his sack total did decrease.
However, with William Gholston being the long free agent addition (re-signed) and Chris Braswell (second-round pick) being the lone addition to the defensive end group, Hall is likely being looked to for a big role in his third season. Expecting a snap count to once again take a jump, probably exceeding 65 percent, would be an easy sign that the coaching staff thinks he can produce.
The former Houston Cougar was seen as a fringe first-round option a few years back and has had a slow start to his NFL career, but he has a great opportunity to make an impact on the d-line for the Buccaneers in 2024.
Cade Otton
The final player on our underrated sleepers list is tight end Cade Otton, who is the most well-known name of the three. Leading a fairly average position group, Otton is another former Washington Husky who will play a big role for the Tampa Bay offense.
While 47 receptions, 455 yards, and four touchdowns aren’t anything spectacular, Otton showed a real relationship with Mayfield last year. With both Evans and Godwin scooping up most targets, Otton will be tasked with working for his workload again as he enters his third season.
It shouldn’t be out of the realm of outcomes for Otton to haul in 55+ receptions, 550+ receiving yards, and find the end zone at least five times, all of which would be career bests.
