The Buffalo Bills are led at the tight end position by Dawson Knox, one of the NFL's best and a great fit for the organization's offense. But why not add more talent to the unit? Once upon a time, the idea sounded foolproof.
So … Buffalo signed O.J. Howard to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million guaranteed in 2022. If you're thinking back in your brain for any memorable Howard moments from last season, think no further.
He was cut from the team without making the 53-man roster.
"Howard really struggled during the offseason and saw players like undrafted free agent Quintin Morris impress more. One of the do-overs the Buffalo Bills wish they could have back would be to not give Howard a fully guaranteed contract, which certainly didn't make it easy to cut him before the season," Fansided wrote.
Prior to signing with Buffalo, Howard put up solid numbers in Tampa Bay. His first three years in the league resulted in 400+ receiving yards a year and 12 combined touchdowns. That's solid work for a TE2.
His Bills tenure of zero yards on zero receptions and zero touchdowns? It can be argued that for OJ - who jumped to Houston and had a few moments of glory - it should've never happened.
"Another option that would have been better for the Bills to pursue was Hayden Hurst, who received the same contract amount from the Cincinnati Bengals but only $2 million was guaranteed. In addition, Hurst was productive with the Bengals with 52 receptions, 414 receiving yards and two touchdowns," the outlet concluded.
Maybe Hurst wouldn't have been a star, but his numbers in a Bills jersey would have certainly eclipsed Howard's. If the Bills - who now employs rookie Dalton Kincaid as Knox’s partner - could have it back, we’re sure they'd save the wasted $3.5 million.
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