5 tight ends the Cardinals could pursue before 2021 season-opener
By Jim Koch
Cameron Brate (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a squad that’s absolutely stacked at the tight end spot. Cameron Brate, a former undrafted free agent, is competing with two other capable veterans for playing time. O.J. Howard was the 19th-overall choice of the 2017 draft, while Rob Gronkowski is a favorite of quarterback Tom Brady’s from their days together with the New England Patriots.
From 2016-18, Brate caught 135 balls for 1,540 yards and 20 touchdowns for Tampa Bay. Since Bruce Arians became the head coach of the Buccaneers in 2019, however, the 6-foot-5, 245-pounder has totaled just 64 receptions, 593 receiving yards, and six scores. It’s obvious that the previous coaching staff had much more confidence in Brate than Arians does.
Perhaps the right offer could persuade Tampa Bay to part ways with the 30-year-old Brate. One thing’s for sure, the former Harvard University product would serve as an excellent middle-of-the-field target for Cards signal-caller Kyler Murray.