Who Should I Start? Payne Durham or Cade Stover

Friday, August 29, 8:14 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham could potentially see a larger role in the offense to begin the regular season. The Bucs are uncertain if starting tight end Cade Otton (leg) is going to be ready to play during the season opener. The team will likely wait and see how Otton progresses throughout next week before making a final decision. If he misses time, Payne Durham and Devin Culp figure to split up time as the starting tight end. Durham didn't see a ton of action last season, but played well when Otton missed time late in the season. When Otton was out, Durham hauled in nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns as the starter. There's not a lot of value here, but maybe Durham is a dart throw if Otton is unable to go in Week 1.

Monday, August 4, 7:58 AM

Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover has received praise from the front office throughout training camp. According to Cole Thompson of the Texas Wire, general manager Nick Caserio mentioned that Stover was the "most improved player of the entire offseason." The 25-year-old joined the Texans in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. During his rookie campaign, Stover had a limited role as he caught just 15 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. However, during each of the final two games of the season (Week 18 and their Wild Card matchup), Stover logged 36 offensive snaps in each game, which were the highest marks of his debut season. In the playoff game, Stover caught a season-high four passes as well. Stover is a name to continue to monitor as he could surpass Brevin Jordan as the No. 2 tight end behind presumed starter Dalton Schultz.