Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Either utilize O.J. Howard or trade him

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have free-agency decisions to make, but the organization could look at moving TE O.J. Howard in the trade market.

Fans following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have paid close attention to the rumors surrounding QB Jameis Winston, as well as the thoughts on extensions for several key defensive players.

One situation that has slowly become the ‘buzz around the water cooler,’ though, is the potential of dealing away TE O.J. Howard.

While the Buccaneers make key decisions in the offseason, the organization is at an impasse when it comes to Howard and it really comes down to two simple options:

Either find a way to utilize him, or trade him while he still has value.

Howard had a disappointing 2019 season and has been subjected to much criticism from many Buccaneers fans. The tight end took steps forward as a blocker, but was underutilized in the passing game and took major steps back in terms of statistics.

That being said, there’s no doubt that Howard still has value in the league.

He is one of the most athletic tight ends in the NFL and has potential to develop into an elite-level player in the right system. Though he did have a few drops, Howard has ability as a receiver and play-maker.

There have been several rumors of the Buccaneers placing Howard on the trading block and that may very well be the best course of action. Howard’s value for a team seeking a tight end would be very high and the Buccaneers could get a nice return that may could include a starter or a second-string type player (most likely in the secondary) with a draft pick or two attached.

When looking at Howard’s situation, the Buccaneers can’t afford to continue to sit on the fence.

Tampa Bay either needs to find a way to utilize him as a piece of the offense- not just as a blocker, but in the passing game- or look to trade him while his value is still high on the market.