Buffalo Bills 2022 Free Agency Grade: O.J. Howard
Last year, the Buffalo Bills saw Dawson Knox break out and emerge as the team’s top tight end. He was a big part of their success on offense and finished second on the team in touchdowns with nine, only one behind Stefon Diggs.
While Knox is going to remain at the top of the depth chart, the Bills could use depth behind him. They addressed this need by signing O.J. Howard to a one-year deal. This is my grade for the signing based on the player and the contract.
What O.J. Howard brings to the Buffalo Bills?
O.J. Howard was a first round pick in 2017 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but never really developed into that game-breaking tight end. He would be productive in his first three years in the league with 94 receptions, 1,456 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.
However, the past two seasons Howard has only had 35 receptions, 281 receiving yards, and three touchdowns due to being in a crowded position room with Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate.
The addition of O.J. Howard should give Buffalo an opportunity to run more two-tight end sets as Howard can be a threat in the passing game, like Knox, but is also a good run-blocking tight end. This part of his game should help him to see the field more and play a role in this offense.
Contract
According to Spotrac, the Bills agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million that includes a voidable year next year with a cap hit of $625,000 which helps decrease his cap hit this year to only $2,875,000. The cap hit ranks 29th among tight ends this season.
Final Grade: A
While O.J. Howard may not have reached the level some thought coming out of college, he is a good tight end that should help improve this offense, particularly in the run game. At 27 years old, he still is early enough in his career that everything could come together, especially in this offense with Josh Allen.
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This is a great move by Buffalo to add an experienced tight end behind Dawson Knox that gives the team more flexibility in their playcalling on a reasonable contract.