O.J. Howard could be one of the hottest names on the NFL market as the trade deadline approaches on Oct. 29. In fact, one writer believes that the New England Patriots could have serious interest.

Devon Clements with Sports Illustrated released on article on Sunday explaining why the former first-round pick would make perfect sense for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady:

The tight end position has been exactly as expected for the New England Patriots this season. With the departure of Rob Gronkowski, the release of Benjamin Watson last week, injuries, and poor play, heading into Week 7, the Patriots may have the least amount of talent at the position out of any team in the NFL.

Howard was somewhat underutilized during his time at Alabama (114 receptions, 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns), but the 24-year old had started to find his groove during his first two seasons in the NFL.

During that time, Howard, who has been playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being drafted at No. 19 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, played in 24 games and had 997 yards and 11 touchdowns.

With new head coach Bruce Arians now in Tampa, however, Howard’s role has significantly diminished. In fact, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight end only has 13 catches for 176 yards through six games this season.

Getting Howard into the same offense with Tom Brady, who made up half of one of the NFL’s top quarterback-tight end duos with Rob Gronkowski, would do wonders for the Alabama product’s future in the league.

There has also been rumors that the Washington Redskins could have interest in Howard as well:

Redskins in play for Bucs' TE OJ Howard (Alabama) at the trade deadline, I'm hearing — Hogs Haven (@HogsHaven) October 14, 2019

With all the different Alabama players on Washington’s roster already, the move to add yet another former Tide star makes sense, especially considering starting tight end Jordan Reed has been unable to stay healthy throughout his career.

Stay tuned for more updates on Howard’s status as the NFL trade deadline approaches on Oct. 29!