Report: Bucs rebuff Patriots on O.J. Howard

With a lot of uncertainty at their tight end position since Week 1, the New England Patriots are expected to pursue a new option as the trade deadline approaches.

According to MMQB's Albert Breer, the reigning champions began their pursuit by asking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about O.J. Howard - but were told no.

Howard, the 19th overall pick of the 2017 draft, has failed to meet expectations this year by recording just 13 catches and no touchdowns through six games.

Since Rob Gronkowski's retirement after last season, New England has been trying to find a reliable tight end. Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse have combined for nine catches, 169 yards, and a touchdown through six contests in 2019.

For their Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Jets, the Patriots are expected to line up with veteran tight end Benjamin Watson. The 38-year-old was re-signed last week, while both LaCosse and Izzo have been ruled out of the contest due to injuries.