The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have once again placed tight end OJ Howard on the trading block. They tried to move him last year in exchange for a second round pick, but were unable to garner any serious inquiries. Howard finished the season with Tampa Bay, but will likely be playing elsewhere in 2020. Here are three reasons why the Packers should make Green Bay that place:
1. The Packers Lack Tight End Depth
The tight end position seems to be a constant source of need for the Packers. Jared Cook had a good season for the Packers in 2016 (at least when he was healthy), but departed after one year. The team signed Jimmy Graham in 2018 with the hopes that he would provide them with a receiving threat from the position. Graham, however, was a major disappointment and was released before he finished up his contract.
The Packers are currently planning on going into the season with Jace Sternberger and Marcedes Lewis. Sternberger, a third-round pick last season, missed a lot of time with an injury and did not record a catch in the 2019 regular season. He did record two receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown in the NFC Championship loss to the 49ers. Lewis, a former Pro Bowler, is entering his 13th NFL season and is a much better blocker at this point in his career than he is a receiver. OJ Howard had more targets last season than both Packers’ current tight ends combined and would greatly help the position depth.
2. Affordability
The Packers do not have much salary cap space, which is why they have not made any big-name signings this off season. The deals they have made have been short-term and of the “low-risk-high-reward” variety. OJ Howard would fit that model perfectly. He has just one year left on his current contract and is set to make a base salary of $1.97 million in 2020. This makes Howard an affordable risk that could pay huge dividends for the Packers.
The Packers Have Many Needs to Address in the Draft
Tight end is certainly a need for the Green Bay Packers. However, it is not the only one. In addition to tight end, the Packers’ have identified wide receiver, linebacker, offensive line, defensive line, corner back, and running back as areas of need in the draft. While Howard may just be a short-term answer, he can provide Sternberger with another year to develop. In addition, his addition would give the Packers the ability to focus on other needs in the draft as well.
Follow me on Twitter at @MrAdams88 and follow us @OTHWisconsin for more great content. Also, be sure to check out the Overtime Heroics Forums page to join in on the discussion. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
