Cam Brate Embracing New/Old Role
August 5th, 2022
Back to No. 1.
Not exactly by design, but currently, your No. 1 Bucs tight end is veteran Cam Brate.
Almost from the start of Brate’s career, it seems as if the Bucs have been trying to replace him. Even after pulling in eight touchdowns in 2016, the Bucs went out and drafted flop O.J. Howard the following spring.
Fast forward to 2020 and it was starting to become clear that Howard was the proverbial all-potential/little production guy, so the Bucs went out and signed future Hall of Fame tight end, foot-rubbing Rob Gronkowski.
Gronk (maybe?) retired this summer. And guess who is still here? That would be Brate.
Brate, as Joe is typing this, is the Bucs’ No. 1 tight end. Kyle Rudolph is still learning the offense, rookie Cade Otten is too, along with recovering from offseason foot surgery. So, by hook, crook, perseverance and talent, it’s Brate’s job now.
“The last couple of years behind ‘Gronk,’ you know, he’s a guy that can do everything. He’s in there 90 percent of the time, so for me, I think that’s a little bit harder of a role – when you’re not playing all the time and you’re kind of just thrown out there on third down and got to beat man coverage and stuff.
“After having that experience, now where I’ll probably be used more a little bit on early downs, I love that – kind of get into the rhythm of the game. [I’m] excited for that challenge and looking forward to it.”
It’s interesting to Joe that Brate would mention the “rhythm of the game” — that he feels more comfortable getting more snaps on first down as opposed to mostly being used as a passing down specialist.
Joe suspects that as Otton progresses he’ll get more snaps. And of course, the quicker Rudolph becomes familiar with the offense, his snaps will increase as well.
The fact that Brate, either by design or happenstance, often seemed to fight for a spot on the roster yet he’s now entering his ninth season with the Bucs says a lot about the Naperville, Ill. native.
August 5th, 2022 at 11:59 am
I mean if you have spent your entire career milking it.
Why wouldn’t you be excited to milk The GOAT too?
Thats the IVY League guys for ya.
August 5th, 2022 at 12:14 pm
That stupid contract we gave Brate made it nearly impossible to move him.
He is a very average Tight End, and I would HOPE that Kyle Rudolph emerges as our starting Tight End.
Cade Otton needs to put on some size, and Ko Kieft may just surprise some people.
August 5th, 2022 at 12:30 pm
I’ve always liked Brate, especially in the red zone.
August 5th, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Whose quote is that
August 5th, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Oh, it’s Brate, himself. nvm
August 5th, 2022 at 4:01 pm
@chris tucker
Brate’s contract was used as motivation for other players.
Brate’s contract was used a way to build a culture.
If you come to Tampa, bust your tail, sacrifice for the team, and work hard, you will be rewarded.
Brate has played a huge role in creating a new culture in Tampa Bay.
It wasn’t a stupid contract. It was an exemplary contract for other players to use as motivation.
August 5th, 2022 at 7:30 pm
@teacherman777
Well said.
August 6th, 2022 at 12:32 am
Wasn’t Cam Brate one of Licht’s undrafted finds? Hey joes, correct me if I’m wrong. He came from an Ivy League school and a lot of scorn was heaped on him. Well, he’s getting the last laugh now plus a SB ring. More power to a class act both on field and off.
August 6th, 2022 at 12:15 pm
Completely agree orlbucfan
August 6th, 2022 at 3:06 pm
“He is a very average tight end”
Well he was also the tight end with the most receiving touchdowns for a 3 year period… we should all aspire to be so average lol.
@orlbucfan – yes he was an UDFA. We actually put him on practice squad and then the Saints signed him, and the. He went on their practice squad and we ended up resigning him all in one offseason. Great move by Licht to get him back.
Hell never be a ferocious blocker, but he can do enough and is a very reliable receiving option when healthy. He knows how to get open.