The Bills are likely to once again have one of the league’s most explosive passing attacks this season, in no small part due to the presence of tight end Dawson Knox. The addition of veteran O.J. Howard behind him was seen as a move that would give the team quality depth, but things have not gone according to plan during training camp.
The former Tampa first-rounder signed a one-year deal worth up to $5M in Buffalo at the start of free agency. The contract had the potential to help him rebuild his value after a disappointing start to his career with the Buccaneers, and represented a significant investment in a player not slated to occupy the top spot on the depth chart. After his performances in practice and the preseason so far, however, the 27-year-old’s “hold on the backup job is not secure,” according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic (subscription required).
Howard played more snaps than any other depth options at the position during the team’s game against the Broncos, one which Knox was absent from. However, none of them came with quarterback Josh Allen or the other offensive starters on the field, a telling sign with respect to the impression he has made on the coaching staff. Buscaglia opines that his extended playing time later in the game may have been a matter of the Bills showcasing him to boost his trade stock.
The No. 19 pick in 2017, Howard has yet to record more than 34 receptions in a season. Behind Knox, he would be unlikely to eclipse that total, especially if he were to be overtaken on the depth chart by the likes of Quintin Morris or Tommy Sweeney. His usage in Buffalo’s final preseason contest could be telling with respect to his future with the team, something which appears to be far more in doubt than many would have expected during the spring.
More must-reads: