The Pewter Plank
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Trading O.J. Howard: Is it an option for Buccaneers?

By Rob Leeds

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Tight end O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against cornerback Deandre Baker #27 of the New York Giants during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Tight end O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against cornerback Deandre Baker #27 of the New York Giants during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: O.J. Howard of Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball during the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: O.J. Howard of Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball during the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Potential trade options for Howard

Teams that come to mind that have the picks and the need are the Patriots who are still looking for a replacement for Gronk, the Browns who are using a serviceable Ricky Seals-Jones in David Njoku‘s absence but could still use more of a star, the Cardinals who are still looking for a tight end to pair with Kyler Murray, and as a bit of a dark horse candidate the San Francisco 49ers run numerous heavy sets and also still need a star receiver. George Kittle fills both of those roles but to pair him with O.J. Howard and the many running backs that San Francisco has could be an exciting combination.

Three of those four teams are in clear playoff contention and the addition of Howard would surely help them offensively, and while the Cardinals are likely not going to the playoffs, O.J. Howard definitely improves the offense overall. The teams in contention should be more willing than Arizona to provide draft picks as they are looking at the Super Bowl and all have solid defenses (with players that can be traded) and draft picks which the Buccaneers desperately need if they are parting ways with Howard.

If Jason Licht and the rest of the Buccaneer leadership believe that they are only a piece or two away from competing (which would be naive), they should target a player like Patrick Peterson from the Cardinals in a trade for Howard. If the Bucs are really feeling ambitious they can trade O.J. to Jacksonville along with a pick or two for Jalen Ramsey.

Vernon Hargreaves has proven that he is not a shutdown corner leaving this position of need open for the Bucs, a position that is more needed than tight end as the Bucs still have Cameron Brate and Tanner Hudson who are capable pass catchers to fill the void at tight end. If the Buccaneers can get a first or second round pick or a starting player in the secondary or at offensive line they can sell on O.J. and not loose out on too much.

If less than that is offered then the Buccaneers are just cutting bait far too early and may miss out on a generational talent at the position. In any reality it is far too soon for the Buccaneers to be moving on from O.J. Howard unless they are preparing to blow the whole thing up and rebuild, but that indication has not been given yet.

dark. Next. Walk the Plank!: 3 Buccaneers who under-performed vs. Panthers

O.J. Howard’s upside it too high and a slow start to the season under a new head coach and offensive coordinator should not be blown out of proportions. But if the front office is ready to cut bait, they should expect compensation that equals Howard’s worth in the form of a high round draft pick or a starting caliber player.

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