There has been plenty of speculation regarding the uncertain future of Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard this offseason. It appears the team has since taken action to keep him around through the 2021 NFL season.
According to Pewter Report, the Bucs have picked up Howard's fifth-year option.
The Bucs have generated plenty of hype with the arrival of quarterback Tom Brady and his favorite pass-catcher in tight end Rob Gronkowski. As a result, they now have a surplus of talent at the tight end position with Gronkowski, Howard and Cameron Brate in the mix.
Howard is already coming off a disappointing 2019 campaign that saw him haul in just 34 receptions for 459 yards and a touchdown. His lack of involvement in this high-powered offense cast some doubt regarding whether or not he would be part of Tampa Bay's long-term plans.
Howard had been tied to several trade rumors throughout leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft, however, nothing ever came to fruition. It appears any potential offers the Buccaneers may have received up to this point has not been enough for them to cut ties just yet.
Although Howard will certainly have his work cut out trying to compete for snaps in this crowded group, his skill set as a viable pass-catcher could make him an instant favorite for Brady. For now, the Bucs are hoping he can provide some bang for his buck with a combined base salary of a little over $8 million for the next two seasons.
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