The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a great season, and they may acquire a tight end that could make the team even better.
The Cincinnati Bengals hope to bounce back this year after an unsuccessful Super Bowl run, and they may acquire a tight end that could make their team even more of a contender. According to NFL Network’s Ian rapoport, free agent O.J. Howard is expected to sign with the Bengals.
Howard formerly played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and built chemistry with legendary quarterback Tom Brady. The Buffalo Bills signed him during the offseason with the intention of pairing him with Josh Allen, but he was unfortunately cut from the 53-man roster.
If Howard is in good health and can play at his full potential, he’ll undoubtedly be a threat the Bengals can weaponize in their aerial attack this season.
Bengals may remain a threat in the league if they pair O.J. Howard with Joe Burrow
Howard may have underperformed the past couple of seasons, but he’s coming off a big injury. In 2020, he only played four games and sat out most of the season due to an Achilles tendon tear. Before his injury, he showed promising potential in his initial connection with Brady.
In 2017, Howard was the Bucs’ first-round pick of the NFL Draft, yet he never developed into the impact player the Bucs hoped he would become. His career-high in receptions is 34 (2018, 2019) and his career-high in yards is 565 (2018). In 2021, Howard only logged 14 receptions for 135 yards in 17 games.
Despite his limited yards and receptions, Howard could prove to be a secret weapon on Cincinnati’s offense. He played his best season in 2018, logging 565 total receiving yards for an average of 16.6 yards per reception. He also recorded five touchdowns and zero fumbles during that impressive campaign.
It’s unclear if O.J. Howard would be joining the 53-man roster or just the practice squad, but regardless, he has the potential to make an impact in Cincinnati.
