Cameron Brate released: Top 3 landing spots for ex-Buccaneers TE
Cameron Brate has spent his entire NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since joining the team in 2014. The veteran tight end's nine-year run with the organization is coming to an end during the 2023 NFL offseason after the Buccaneers recently announced that he will be released as a salary cap casualty. He helped them win a Super Bowl ring, but will now enter free agency.
The 31-year-old tight end is looking to join a new team for the first time in his career. He has been a consistent contributor for the Buccaneers, recording at least 20 receptions for 200 yards and multiple touchdowns in seven consecutive seasons. He is also an excellent blocker and can provide a reliable depth piece for a team in need of help at the tight end position.
#Bucs are expected to release tight end Cam Brate in the coming days, per source. Brate, who played nine seasons in Tampa, has a cap hit of around $5 million. A good run with 273 catches and 33 touchdowns.
Here are three potential landing spots that make sense for Cameron Brate in the 2023 NFL season.
#1 New York Giants
The New York Giants are in desperate need of offensive weapons as their pass-catchers are one of the weakest overall groups in the entire NFL. This is especially true for their tight ends. They recorded the fifth-fewest yards from the position during the 2022 NFL season, while scoring the second-fewest touchdowns.
While they need more help than just a veteran tight end, Cameron Brate can help them improve on one of their biggest weaknesses. He can be paired with young tight end Daniel Bellinger to help develop his potential as well.
#2 Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are in search of their next starting quarterback during the 2023 NFL offseason. They are likely to select one during the 2023 NFL draft, but could also explore other available options. Whoever may be their starter for Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season would benefit from an upgrade at the tight end position.
The Panthers received the second-fewest yards and touchdowns from the position during the 2022 NFL season. Cameron Brate would give them an additional option to upgrade from Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas.
#3 Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are the only team to record fewer than 500 receiving yards from tieir tight ends during the 2022 NFL season. Making their situation even worse is the fact that Mike Gesicki, their top option in the position, is currently an unrestricted free agent following an expired one-year contract.
The Dolphins proved to be one of the most explosive passing games in the entire NFL during the 2022 season. They can make one of their biggest strengths even better by improving on one of their least productive position groups. Cameron Brate could potentially help them do exactly that.