Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Three veterans who could be surprise cuts

O.J. Howard – TE

Given the fact that O.J. Howard is a former 19th overall pick of the draft, this would be a tough pill to swallow. It’s always hard coming to the realization that a first-round pick simply didn’t pan out as planned.

That’s not saying it’s completely Howard’s fault though. At 6 feet 6 inches and 251 pounds, Howard is a freak of nature for a tight end given his speed and athleticism for his size. He has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. The keywords here are “when healthy”.

To pretty much sum it up, Howard’s best game in 2020 with Brady came in the game he tore his Achilles against the Los Angeles Chargers where he had three catches for 50 yards and a touchdown before his injury. That is Howard’s NFL career thus far in a nutshell. He’s solid when he is actually on the field, which is few and far between.

The best ability is availability. Unfortunately for Howard, he has only played in 42 games since entering the league in 2017 and has never played a full season. In 2020, Howard played in only four games, by far the lowest of his career.

Howard will be playing on his fifth-year option, and if 2021 goes like every year prior, the Bucs may cut bait no rather than later. Besides, Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate are still on the roster. Surely a cheaper third option can become available.

It should be stated again that these three entries are official predictions that these three players will be released. However, should it happen, it would come as a surprise, but not a surprise without reason. The Buccaneers have very little reason to worry, but anything can happen in the NFL, even in the offseason.