This was expected with Brate due a $5 million cap hit. Brate has been linked to retirement coming off an injury-shortened 2022 that sidelined him with a concussion and neck injury. Fourth-round TE Cade Otton started over Brate as a rookie and is in line for every-down snaps with Brate gone. Brate's release saves Tampa $2 million in cap space. The Bucs can save $4 million if they designate Brate a post-June cut.

Brate has been bandied about as a cap casualty for the Bucs this offseason between the emergence of Cade Otton and Tampa's desperate cap space situation. The news here is that he also might be considering retirement after missing six games to some scary injuries. Moving on from Brate would only save $2 million in cap space for the Bucs. 

The cash-strapped Bucs would save $2 million against the salary cap if they parted ways with Brate. The veteran caught 20 passes for 174 yards this season while battling a frightening neck injury that gave rookie TE Cade Otton a chance to start a handful of games. Brate, 31, has little chance of returning to Tampa in 2023. Otton, who in 2022 led all rookie tight ends in receptions (42) and finished top-five in yards (391) and touchdowns (two), would be an intriguing fantasy option if Brate is gone. 

The Bucs restructured Brateâ??s inflated contract in the offseason to keep their veteran tight end on the roster. Though he was useful at times, Brate was ultimately far less productive than rookie Cade Otton. Brate caught 20 passes for 174 yards this year. The Bucs can eat a $3 million dead cap hit to save $2 million by cutting Brate in the offseason.