With the arrival of Rob Gronkowski in Tampa Bay, NFL analysts have wondered if Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard will be traded. Howard was already part of trade rumors prior to Tampa Bay’s acquisition of Gronkowski, and the team’s latest move appears to set the stage for the 25-year-old’s exit.
But per a new report from ESPN, Howard was apparently close to being traded earlier this offseason — to the Washington Redskins.
ESPN reported Wednesday that the two teams had talks of a blockbuster deal featuring a swap of Redskins left tackle Trent Williams and Howard, but negotiations “fell through.”
The Redskins are in need of an athletic tight end and pursued Austin Hooper in free agency before the price tag got too high for the new Cleveland Brown.
Washington has also been looking to deal Williams for months after it became clear coach Ron Rivera could repair the team’s relationship with the seven-time Pro Bowler.
ESPN reported that the Redskins and Buccaneers had trade discussions two months ago.
It is not yet known if Tampa Bay and Washington would be interested in rekindling talks after the Gronkowski deal. According to multiple reports, the Redskins are expected to trade Williams during this week’s NFL draft.
If the Buccaneers are interested, they’d likely have to create salary cap room. The team has just $4 million in cap space and Williams holds a $12.5 million base salary. Howard, by comparison, holds just a $3.5 million cap hit.
Three years ago, Howard, with his 6-foot-5 frame and his 4.5 40-yard dash, was seen as the best tight end in the draft, and the Alabama product went 19th overall. But he hasn’t lived up to the hype, hauling in just 26 catches last season for 432 yards.
Still, teams remain high on his potential and perhaps a change of scenery is what’s best for Howard.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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