Tampa Bay is officially in “win-now” mode.
After releasing Jameis Winston and acquiring Tom Brady in free agency, the Buccaneers are not only trying to be a serious playoff contender but also a Super Bowl contender.
Along with getting Brady, the Bucs were also able to lure Rob Gronkowski out of retirement to him with his quarterback. With all the commotion and the venue for Super Bowl 55 being at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7, 2021, Tampa Bay wants to create the perfect situation.
Despite putting quality pieces together, could Bruce Arians be in danger of losing someone that can contribute offensively? Yes. According to Jenna Laine of ESPN, O.J. Howard is the player on the short end of the stick. Gronkowski, who turns 30 next month, is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends to ever play in the National Football League. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time NFL All-Pro first-teamer; however, Gronk has had 15 injuries in his career – dating back to getting drafted in 2010 to the New England Patriots. His medical mishaps include concussions, back issues, forearm fractures and knee injuries. Due to his body being banged up, he retired from the league on Mar. 24, 2019 yet he has returned to the game.
While questions surround Gronkowski’s health, Tampa Bay needs a right tackle and a pass-catching running back.
It looks to attack both aspects this week in the NFL Draft and after having to renegotiate Cameron Brate’s contract, the question is whether the Bucs will have enough to keep Howard. Per Laine, Tampa Bay tried to trade Howard two months ago but the deal fell through.
A native of Prattville, Ala., he was taken in the first round of the 2017 draft. As the No. 19 overall pick, he has totaled 94 catches for 1,456 yards with 12 scores.
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The 6-foot-6, 251-pounder collected 114 passes for 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns in four seasons at the University of Alabama.
His best year was in 2015, as Howard tallied 38 receptions for 602 yards receiving with two scores – both of which came in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game versus Clemson. He has the skill set to be a force in the NFL, but needs the right situation if the Bucs do not pick up the fifth-year option on his deal.
The team has until May 5 to do it.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
