7 free-agent tight ends the Vikings could sign in 2022
By Clay Vasquez
O.J. Howard
2021 Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you are a fan of college football, chances are you are well aware of O.J. Howard. The former Alabama tight end was a standout in college, leading to him being the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
That high draft pick has not led to much for Howard, however, as his career has been plagued by injuries and the revitalization of Rob Gronkowski.
Howard has shown flashes when given the chance, but there have been many chances for him so far in his career. The physical ability is surely there, as he is a 6-foot-6, 236-pound tight end that ran a 4.5-second 40-time at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. If given the opportunity, the chance for a breakout campaign is still there for Howard.
With Howard not living up to the hype, as well as having some injury concerns, the price to sign him may be much lower than most free-agent tight ends this year, something the Vikings will be heavily considering in free agency this offseason.
Howard may be looking for a new start in the NFL, and with a potentially potent offense in Minnesota, it may be enticing enough for the 27-year-old to make his way to the Vikings.