The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stood pat at the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday.
While rampant rumors and speculation were at the forefront, they did not trade third-year tight end O.J. Howard despite the team’s struggles to get him involved in the offense thus far.
Head Coach Bruce Arians foreshadowed the unlikelihood they would sell veterans for draft picks just before the deadline:
“But I’m all about winning and winning as many games as we can because when you sell the farm, you don’t know what you’re buying anyway. And you’re playing with a bunch of young guys that have to learn how to play again” Arians said.
Just last week, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported the Buccaneers had, in fact, rebuffed an inquiry by the New England Patriots. A move that signaled a high level of confidence in the Alabama product and his value to the team’s future.
Jordan Leggett Promoted to the Active Roster
While the Buccaneers are keeping, Howard it appears he is not quite ready to return to the field. The team reinforced its tight end group by promoting former New York Jet Jordan Leggett to the active squad Wednesday.
Cameron Brate did not participate in practice Wednesday after suffering a rib injury last Sunday. Leggett’s promotion provides insurance should he not be able to play this Sunday in Seattle.
The move follows linebacker Jack Cichy being placed on Injured Reserve after a setback while rehabilitating his elbow after being injured late against the Los Angeles Rams.
