The Washington Redskins entered the offseason looking to move disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams and a huge need at tight end. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been looking to trade tight end OJ Howard while searching for an upgrade at left tackle.
Swapping the two has been a topic of discussion, heating up when the Buccaneers traded for Rob Gronkowski Monday. However, both teams already had discussed a potential trade involving Williams and Howard in February, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.
A source told ESPN that the Bucs were in discussions to trade Howard two months ago to the Washington Redskins in exchange for offensive tackle Trent Williams, but talks fell through. The Bucs have until May 5 to determine if they’ll pick up the fifth-year option on Howard’s contract for 2021.
It’s unclear why the talks fell through. The Redskins ultimately signed free agent deals with Logan Thomas and Richard Rodgers, two players perceived to be a tier or two below Howard.
Howard has yet to reach his full potential in three seasons with Tampa Bay. Now his status with the team is uncertain with the addition of Gronk to go alongside Cameron Brate.
All indications point to Williams and the Redskins severing ties at some point during or after this week’s draft. Yet, it remains to be seen if Washington will add Howard or any other tight end in return.
