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The New England Patriots were rejected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they inquired about tight end OJ Howard, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer:

"The Patriots' decision to bring Benjamin Watson back after Matt LaCosse went to IR only further illustrates the team's problems at Rob Gronkowski's old spot. Eight days until the trade deadline. New England already asked, and was told no on, Buccaneers tight end OJ Howard. I'd expect they'll be turning over rocks this week at the position."

LaCosse sprained his MCL against the New York Giants in Week 6 and, according to NFL Network's Michael Giardi, "is expected to miss at least a few weeks."

Tight end Eric Tomlinson was then signed to the Patriots' 53-man roster, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, which could have resulted from losing out on Howard.

On Friday, The Athletic's Greg Auman proposed that the Bucs' unwillingness to deal Howard isn't limited to New England:

"I really don't expect the Bucs to deal Howard unless they're just overwhelmed by an offer. His catches are down, yes, but he's still playing a ton and impacting the run game as well as the pass. He's inexpensive for the next two years, so it's much more likely the Bucs let him walk after 2020 and gain a compensatory pick then it is they deal him now."

ESPN's Jenna Laine provided similar context on the situation (h/t Bucs Wire):

"Howard has been underutilized as a pass-catcher in Bruce Arians' offense, which isn't known for using the tight end. Heading into Week 6, Howard was averaging fewer than three targets per game. When he has gotten the ball this year, he's had an issue with drops. His 15.8 percent drop rate is second highest in the league at any position, behind only Titans running back Dion Lewis. While Howard's name continues to be brought up in trade rumors, league sources say that it's unlikely he changes teams."

Howard, drafted by the Bucs 19th overall in 2017 out of Alabama, is still on his rookie contract. The 24-year-old carries a cap hit of just over $3 million this season, which makes him an enticing trade acquisition.

Through six games this year, Howard has just 13 catches on 18 targets for 176 yards and no touchdowns. However, the odds of the 6'6", 251-pounder's first-round potential maxing out in the Patriots offense would be high.

Nonetheless, it appears as if the Patriots will have to call elsewhere prior to the Oct. 29 trade deadline in order to bolster at tight end.