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The Buccaneers are usually never actively mentioned around the trade deadline. However, 2019 seems to be a different story.
Just last week, the New England Patriots reportedly inquired about tight end O.J. Howard’s availability and were told by the Bucs he wasn’t available. This week is a different story as it appears now Tampa Bay is listening to offers as multiple teams have called trying to play deal or no deal with the Buccaneers, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.
Two weeks ago I was told he wasn’t available. I’m now told that the only way the Bucs consider trading him right now is for a substantial offer. Multiple teams have inquired.
That “substantial” offer may deter many teams from pulling the trigger on a potential Howard trade. Denver Broncos reporter Benjamin Allbright is reporting that the asking price from the Bucs is why the Patriots quickly said “no thanks.”
I know the Pats called and immediately hung up when they heard whatever the price tag is... https://t.co/zoDBuKtvpk
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 28, 2019
Trades during the regular season in the NFL rarely happen, although teams have been decently active in 2019. And at 2-5, the Buccaneers would be looking to make a deal for the future and not the present anyhow.
The NFL trade deadline is today at 4:00 p.m. ET.
**UPDATE No. 1**
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Howard is NOT available. But that it’s “one” team that was told that. With a little over an hour to go, stay tuned...
When one team recently called the #Bucs on former 1st round TE OJ Howard, that team was told he’s not available, per me and @TomPelissero. That is where this stands right now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2019
**UPDATE No. 2**
No trades. Bucs stay where they are at.