[6] Upon joining the active roster, head coach Lovie Smith named Brate the fifth tight end on the depth chart, behind Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Brandon Myers, Luke Stocker, and D.J.

[7] On November 30, 2014, Brate made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start and caught a 17-yard pass during a 14–13 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13.

Brate earned his first career start after Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Luke Stocker, and Brandon Myers all suffered injuries and were unable to play.

[9] Brate entered training camp slated as a backup tight end and competed for a roster spot against Tim Wright and Evan Rodriguez.

[10] On September 6, 2015, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived Brate as part of their final roster cuts, but signed him to their practice squad two days later.

[12] On September 22, 2015, the Buccaneers signed Brate from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad and to their active roster after Austin Seferian-Jenkins suffered a shoulder injury.

[13] Head coach Lovie Smith named Brate the third tight end on the depth chart, behind Luke Stocker and Brandon Myers.

[17] On January 15, 2016, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced their decision to promote offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to head coach.

[18] Brate entered training camp slated as a backup tight end, but began challenging Austin Seferian-Jenkins for the starting role.

[19] Head coach Dirk Koetter named Brate one of the primary starting tight ends to begin the regular season, alongside Luke Stocker.

[28] Head coach Dirk Koetter named Brate the secondary starting tight end to begin the regular season, behind O.J.

[30] In Week 6, Brate made a season-high six catches for 76 receiving yards and caught one touchdown reception as the Buccaneers lost 38–33 at the Arizona Cardinals.