The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly shopping former first-round pick tight end O.J. Howard, according to Mike Lombardi.
The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, so it appears Tampa Bay is trying to get a few picks in exchange for the former Alabama star.
The Indianapolis Colts could be in the market for a tight end after the departure of tight end Eric Ebron this offseason.
Should the Colts make an attempt to trade for Howard or wait and see what they can get on draft day?
If the Bucs trade tight end O.J. Howard, on which team will he land?
Patriots +250
Redskins +300
Packers +500
Cowboys +600
Dolphins +700
Colts +800
Cardinals +1000
Panthers +1200https://t.co/QctQXiijNo pic.twitter.com/8pF9uJHUxW— Allan Bell (@AllanBell247) April 16, 2020
Who is O.J. Howard?
Tampa Bay took Howard with the No. 19 selection during the 2017 NFL Draft.
Howard was projected to be a star tight end, but hasn’t been able to reach his full potential.
He’s put together three average seasons in Tampa Bay, which is likely why he’s on the trade block this offseason.
In 2019, Howard finished with 34 receptions, 459 receiving yards, and one touchdown through 14 games.
Howard has shown flashes, but finding consistency has been difficult for him throughout his career.
Quarterback Jameis Winston often targeted tight end Cameron Brate over Howard.
Over the last three seasons, Brate has finished with more targets than Howard in each campaign.
Maybe things can be different with quarterback Tom Brady in town, but Howard might be dealt before he gets to play with him.
Should the Colts Have Interest in Howard?
The Colts should be in the market for a tight end after Ebron left and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
Indy still has Pro Bowl tight end Jack Doyle under contract, but currently Mo Alie-Cox is the backup tight end at the moment.
This organization is desperate for a big-bodied red zone target and Howard could be exactly what they need.
The Colts signed veteran quarterback Philip Rivers this offseason, which could be great news if Howard lands in Indy.
Both Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry have seen tremendous success while Rivers was under center with them.
Rivers loves throwing to the tight end, so getting a player with the abilities like Howard would be fantastic for Indy.
This draft class doesn’t have too many top tier tight ends, so Howard might be the Colts best option right now.
With the 15th pick in #MathMock, the #Colts select O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama. A coup he falls to 15, Improve blocking and scheme versatility. pic.twitter.com/M3QHPdAq9Z
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 14, 2017
What Would the Colts Need to Give Up for Howard?
The Bucs were reportedly seeking a second round pick in exchange for Howard at the trade deadline last season.
That price tag has likely dropped since Howard only has one year left on his contract.
However, he does have a fifth-year option that can be picked up until May 2nd for the 2021 season.
The Colts have other areas to address in the draft as well, so giving up a second or third-round pick for Howard wouldn’t make sense for them.
Howard hasn’t shown any signs of being ready to make that jump from average to star, so the Colts shouldn’t surrender anything too large.
Trading a mid-round pick for Howard wouldn’t be a bad idea, but that depends on if Tampa Bay would accept that deal.
The Colts might be able to land a top tier tight end without having to trade for Howard, but giving up a fourth-round pick for Howard would be a win for Indy.
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