New England Patriots Rumors: 3 players who could solve needs at tight end
O.J. Howard
Now, a team who has a history of wheeling and dealing with the New England Patriots are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Like the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals, the Buccaneers are going no where this season and may be willing to part ways with former first-round pick O.J. Howard.
This is a deal that could benefit both teams. The Patriots get a stretch tight end who could flourish in an offense headed by Tom Brady and the Buccaneers could receive perhaps a third-round pick in return.
The Patriots certainly have the draft capital, but there has to be something in Howard besides talent that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick sees in him that would motivate them to go after him.
Signed through the 2020 season, the 24-year-old tight end could also become a part of the team’s future plans if that talent flourishes in New England.
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Bill Belichick has had some luck with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers players before. He acquired Aqib Talib prior to a trade deadline at a time when the team desperately needed secondary help and LeGarrette Blount who helped the team win two Super Bowls with his powerful running style.
So, if O.J. Howard is on the trading block as rumored, the New England Patriots is his likely destination. And note, the Buccaneers also have another tight end worth considering in Cameron Brate.