NFL Trade Rumors: New England Patriots Gain Interest In Buccaneers OJ Howard

KEY POINTS

The New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been associated with each other during this offseason
The Patriots were reportedly interested in OJ Howard last season
OJ Howard is back in the trading block

The offseason has connected the New England Patriots and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a variety of ways. The biggest news of the year involves the Patriot’s franchise player leaving the team for a two-year $50 million deal with the Buccaneers. In addition to that major development, the Buccaneers and Patriots still might be tangled up with one another as tight end OJ Howard remains on the trading block.

It was during the 2017 NFL draft when the Buccaneers selected Howard 19th overall from the Alabama Crimson Tide football program. Consistent contributions and a natural display of athleticism were evident in Howard’s first two years in the league.

In his Howard's rookie campaign, the six-foot-six tight end was able to start the first 14 games of his career and end the season with 26 receptions for 432 yards and six touchdowns. Stardom was upon him during his second season when he caught 34 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns in a 10-game stretch.

Despite his rising star potential, Howard saw a decline last season due to ankle injuries and was put on the trading block with the Patriots as a rumored suitor. Ever since the retirement of star Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots have been searching for a suitable replacement in the tight end position.

It was reported by Michael Lombardi on the GM Shuffle Podcast that the Buccaneers might ship Howard as soon as next week.

"I think Howard's got a great name, but I think there's an instinctive issue going on," said Lombardi. "I think he's going to be available," Lombardi said by way of CBS Sports.

The Patriots have 12 picks in this year’s NFL draft and the tight end is a position they are trying to improve on. It’s already highly anticipated that they will use one of these picks for a quality quarterback to replace. But in addition to these, another option brewing for New England would be a trade involving their third or fourth-round picks for Howard.

Whether or not a deal pushes through, the Patriots and the Buccaneers are off to an interesting new season with a different roster.