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Rob Gronkowski & OJ Howard
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Tight finish OJ Howard entered the NFL with what gave the impression to be limitless potential. Nevertheless, three years into his professional profession he’s but to faucet into that potential. Now, simply if you suppose he may presumably take the subsequent step with quarterback Tom Brady on the helm, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem prepared to maneuver on from their former first-round draft choose.
Bucs Reportedly Seeking to Commerce OJ Howard
Showing on the GM Shuffle podcast, Michael Lombardi of The Athletic reported that he was instructed by a league supply that the Bucs are trying to commerce tight finish OJ Howard.
“I believe Howard’s received a terrific identify, however I believe there’s an instinctive subject occurring,” Lombardi mentioned. “I believe he’s going to be accessible.” Lombardi additionally added that he wouldn’t be stunned if Howard have been to be dealt inside the subsequent week.
It ought to come as little shock that Tampa Bay is able to wipe their palms clear of Howard. Regardless of his immense expertise, he struggled mightily in his first yr beneath head coach Bruce Arians. Howard completed 2019 with a meager 34-receptions whereas discovering the endzone simply as soon as.
“It’s arduous to say (what’s fallacious),” Arians mentioned late final season when requested about Howard’s play. “He’s a proficient, proficient man, however it’s not displaying up on Sundays.”
May a Howard for Gronkowski Commerce Be within the Works?
For all that has gone fallacious throughout Howard’s tenure in Tampa Bay, it’s secure to say there will likely be no limitation of suitors for the previous Alabama standout on the commerce block. The 6-foot-6-inch, almost 250-pound tight finish possesses 4.51 40-yard sprint pace and is an above-average blocker. Oh, and he’s simply 25-years of age.
One of many groups anticipated to have curiosity in Howard is the New England Patriots, who’ve been hurting for a good finish ever since Rob Gronkowski abruptly retired following the 2018 season.
Talking of Gronkowski, from the second Tom Brady introduced he’d be ditching Foxborough and taking his abilities to the Sunshine State this offseason, rumors of the one-time dynamic duo reuniting in Tampa Bay have swirled.
The one hitch? The Patriots nonetheless personal Gronkowski’s rights. May a swap of tight ends be on the horizon? It’s actually attainable, though unlikely in the meanwhile as Gronk has seemingly moved on soccer. The previous All-Professional tight finish most just lately hosted WrestleMania 36 and can also be the present WWE 24/7 Champion.
With that mentioned, Brady’s affection for Gronkowski is well-known and vice versa. The tight finish has gone on file previously stating he would by no means play with a quarterback aside from Brady. He backed up that assertion just a few years again by threatening to retire when the Pats have been reportedly ready to commerce him to the Detroit Lions.
The 2 former Patriot superstars dominated throughout their days in New England collectively, gathering three Lombardi trophies on the way in which. The Patriots may use a younger proficient playmaker like OJ Howard, whereas Gronkowski could possibly be the ultimate piece to rework the Buccaneers into true Tremendous Bowl contenders.
A swap of tight ends appears to be a win-win for each organizations. Nevertheless, it’s now as much as Gronkowski if he desires to return to the league, an uncertainty in the meanwhile. Though, if there’s one man that may drag Gronkowski out of retirement, it’s seemingly Tom Brady.
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