The Seahawks should look to trade for OJ Howard
By Geoff Shull
Who is OJ Howard?
Howard came into the league in 2017 as the number 19 pick in the NFL draft. He was known for his elite athleticism, great acceleration, light feet and as a natural pass catcher. The big knock against him came as a blocker, where he came across as passive and needed to gain significant muscle. Fast forward two years and two head coaches, he may be looking for a new home. Bruce Arians offense historically has seldom used the tight end as pass catchers, they predominantly are used as blockers. Howard has some impressive receiving numbers in his previous campaign registering 34 catches for 565 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, through the first 6 weeks of the 2019 season, Howard has just 11 catches for 176 yards and 0 touchdowns. Bruce Arians will likely look to sell the 2017 first round pick as he will look to rebuild the team from the ground up.
My proposed trade:
Seahawks receive:
TE OJ Howard
Buccaneers receive:
DE Branden Jackson
2020 3rd round pick
Why this trade makes sense for both parties:
Seahawks: With Will Dissly likely out for the season, and Ed Dickson still fighting to come back by week 8 from the IR, the Seahawks are very thin at the tight end position. Seattle may look to buy low on Howard and hope their coaching staff can teach him how to block more efficiently. Regardless of his current blocking abilities, his route running and pass catching skills will be an absolute God send for a passing attack that has two of the top defenses lined up against them in NFC West.
Best case scenario Seattle gets a great pass catcher who takes a leap forward in blocking. Worst case scenario, Seattle traded away a mid-round pick for an above average pass catcher who will be likely benched during running plays. That being said, tight ends are notoriously known for developing slowly and Howard is just 24 years old. There is plenty of time to turn this boat around.
Buccaneers: Howard clearly is not a fit in Bruce Arians offensive scheme and not part of the long-term future for the franchise. Rumors have swirled recently that Howard is firmly on the trade block. It would be a win-win for player and team for the trade to occur. This would allow the Bucc’s to recoup a decent draft pick for a player they don’t envision in their future and the player to get a fresh start with a team who loves their tight ends. The Buccaneers are likely looking toward the draft where they could very well undergo a full reset of the roster. All draft compensation that can go toward the rebuild would go a long way.