This is going to be one of the most important offseasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent memory. With a number of free agents ready to hit the open market, the Bucs will need to determine which players are priority to keep and which can be shown the door.
For some players, a change of scenery might do them some good, and in ESPN’s latest look at 32 players who could use a fresh start this offseason, it’s no surprise that Tampa Bay tight end O.J. Howard found himself on the list.
Per Jenna Laine:
“He struggled throughout his first season in Bruce Arians’ offense, which has been notorious for not getting the tight end involved vertically as much as Dirk Koetter’s did. The Bucs did entertain offers for Howard before the trade deadline. Going to an offense that utilizes him differently might be what he needs to rejuvenate his career.”
One team that reportedly inquired about Howard around the time of the trade deadline was the New England Patriots, who were desperately trying to find a tight end replacement for Rob Gronkowski. The Bucs told New England “no” and kept Howard on the roster.
While Howard did not have a great year statistically, he did do well in the blocking game. Perhaps Arians and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich can find a way to utilize Howard more in the passing attack. He’s a rare combination of size and athleticism. It might be worth keeping Howard around for one more year at least.
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