Tom Brady joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the biggest free agency move of the offseason. The former New England Patriots signal caller could help raise the fantasy potential of wideouts like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in 2020, but that’s not where his reach will end. Brady could also make a significant impact of tight end O.J. Howard, who fell short of expectations in 2019. Let’s take a look at how Howard could benefit from playing alongside Brady.
Fantasy football analysis: Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard
Howard appeared to be on track to continue improving by posting top 10 fantasy tight end numbers in 2018. He finished with 34 receptions for 565 yards and five touchdowns in his second NFL season. But he followed that up by barely cracking the top 32 in 2019 — recording 53 receptions for 459 yards and one score. He found himself on the trading block last season, but Brady could make him an asset again.
According to ESPN, no quarterback has thrown for more yards (16,563) or touchdowns (167) to tight ends since 2001. Brady benefited from throwing to Rob Gronkowski for nine seasons in New England, but he didn’t have any tight ends with real playmaking ability last season. If Howard earns Brady’s trust, he should be in line to be at least a top 15 fantasy tight end in 2020.