He is not going anywhere for now.
Despite the discomfort shown by O.J. Howard in wanting to leave Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers are keeping the former Alabama tight end.
According to an update from Pewter Report, a media site that covers the Bucs, the team has picked up Howard’s fifth-year option on his contract. Howard is set to make $6.2 million in the 2021 season.
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The 6-foot-6, 251-pounder caught 34 passes for 459 receiving yards with one touchdown in Bruce Arians’ first season at head coach in 2019.
He was excited for the chance to play with Tom Brady; however, Tampa Bay’s choice of luring Rob Gronkowski out of retirement did not sit well with Howard.
The Bucs attempted to trade him two months ago, but its deal with the Washington Redskins for Trent Williams (offensive tackle) fell through.
A first-round pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, Howard totaled 94 receptions for 1,456 yards with 12 scores. During his four years at the University of Alabama (2013-16), he recorded 1,726 yards with seven scores on 114 catches.
Howard was on three Southeastern Conference title teams and a national championship team.
He becomes the third former Crimson Tide player – joining Marlon Humphrey and Jonathan Allen – to have a fifth-year option picked up on his deal.
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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.
