2022 Dallas Cowboys Free Agency Prospects: TE O.J. Howard
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for what looks like an eventful offseason, the expectation already is for this team to look very different than it does. Especially by way of key players. One of the biggest question marks surround tight end Dalton Schultz. In the past two seasons, he's totaled 141 receptions, 1,423 yards […]
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for what looks like an eventful offseason, the expectation already is for this team to look very different than it does. Especially by way of key players.
One of the biggest question marks surround tight end Dalton Schultz. In the past two seasons, he's totaled 141 receptions, 1,423 yards and 12 touchdowns as the No. 1 option at the position. Bringing him back is no brainer, right?
Unfortunately, the world's richest sports franchise is notoriously cheap in free agency. While they typically prefer to sign their own, they're not opposed to letting some of their higher-profile players walk in order to gather comp picks.
If the Dallas Cowboys were to let Schultz walk, who would fill in? Theoretically, it's Blake Jarwin. But given his recent injury history, it's hard to imagine relying on him for a full season. Or even most of a full season.
Looking at the free agent pool of tight ends, a player like O.J. Howard from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could make plenty of sense. Not only is his projected market much more favorable than Schultz's, but he provides a much needed service in Dallas.
As Schultz became more of the receiving threat, his run blocking skills began to diminish. The very trait that made him the more complete tight end on the roster.
With OJ Howard, it's a big of a mixed bag coming with him. After a strong 1st 3 seasons, he fell out of favor on the offense behind Rob Gronkowski in 2020, and tore his achilles during the fourth game of the year.
Despite this, Howard is still very much an athletic receiving threat who has shown he can make plays when healthy. Going into a system catching passes from Dak Prescott would be welcomed from both.
And he's a decent run blocker, as well. Even if not being targeted much as a receiver, Howard continues to display skills as a blocker. Both on the line of scrimmage and out in space. Something both Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard would love to have.
Howard and the Cowboys have been tied to each other before, and now could be an ideal time to make it happen.
There are ways for the Dallas Cowboys to retain their top tight end, but if they chose to look elsewhere, OJ Howard is a solid option.
Featured image via-Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
