After five games, you could’ve made a case for Will Dissly being the best tight end in the NFL. He was outperforming everyone statistically. He was producing regular touchdowns and big plays. His blocking was vital and on-point.

His season-ending achilles injury is a crushing blow for player and team. He’ll no doubt be back. Even after two devastating injuries, ‘Uncle Will’ just seems like the type who won’t accept bad luck. You wouldn’t bet against him returning next year and having a long and successful career in Seattle.

In the short term the Seahawks need a 2019 solution. On 710 ESPN today, Pete Carroll spoke positively about Ed Dickson returning in a couple of weeks. Previously he hadn’t spoken optimistically about his health. Ideally he returns after week eight and the Seahawks can finish the season with Dickson, Luke Willson and Jacob Hollister.

They also need to see what else is out there for a few reasons.

Firstly, there’s at least some risk pinning all your hopes on Dickson. His injury was serious enough to start the year on injured reserve. He has an injury history. After the trade deadline closes — you’re stuck with what’s available on the street. Unless they’re absolutely convinced Dickson will be ready to contribute — they have to see what else is out there.

Secondly, Dissly was more than just a replaceable tight end. He was delivering consistent production. Someone needed to step up after Doug Baldwin’s retirement. Dissly was that man. The Seahawks just lost one of the most important players on their offense. Russell Wilson just lost arguably his second most vital target after Tyler Lockett. Seattle will only go as far as Wilson can take them this season. Making sure he has the necessary supporting cast is vital.

Thirdly, tight end is an important position in Seattle. They paid Zach Miller handsomely in 2011. They made a big trade for Jimmy Graham in 2015. They’ve always, seemingly, placed a high value on the position. That isn’t a surprise. They want to run the ball successfully, they use a lot of play action and their pass-pro needs help with an extra blocker. Dissly was an ideal fit. He’s a complete tight end. He’ll be a huge loss. If it was possible to add someone with plus blocking and receiving skills — it would soften the blow.

The purpose of this article isn’t to suggest they need to repeat the Jimmy Graham trade. It’s simply to highlight options.

In terms of free agents, Dwayne Allen (former Colts, Patriots, Dolphins) is available. Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (former Buccs, Jets, Jags) is available. The Patriots just re-signed Ben Watson — potentially anticipating that teams like the Seahawks would be looking for help today.

In terms of trades, there are some options. I wrote last week that A.J. Green could be a possibility. Remember — this isn’t just about replacing Dissly. Russell Wilson just lost one of his best pass-catchers, having seen his best target retire in the off-season. Again, this team will only go as far as the offense and the quarterback can take them this year. Making sure Wilson is as supported as possible is vital.

Green’s not a tight end but he would be a suitable replacement to inject some quality into the offense with Dissly injured. It’s worth noting though that the Bengals insist he won’t be dealt.

Another option who does play tight end is O.J. Howard.

Yesterday, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller suggested the following:

Could O.J. Howard be on the move? 👀 Potential trade involving the Bucs TE is one of the “hottest rumor[s]” among scouts, per @nfldraftscout pic.twitter.com/89Pdijhm2Y — B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 13, 2019

Howard is a non-factor in Bruce Arians’ Tampa Bay offense.

Here’s his 2019 stat-line:

vs San Francisco — 4 catches, 5 targets, 32 yards

vs Carolina — 0 catches, 0 targets, 0 yards

vs New York Giants — 3 catches, 4 targets, 66 yards

vs LA Rams — 3 catches, 3 targets, 33 yards

vs New Orleans — 1 catch, 2 targets, 10 yards

vs Carolina — 2 catches, 4 targets, 35 yards

With the Buccs spiralling out of control and enduring a nonsensical travel schedule that the NFL should be embarrassed about, it stands to reason that they’d be willing to see what they can get for Howard.

It isn’t working, he’s an asset they can move as they prepare for an inevitable reset in the off-season (probably with a new quarterback).

Before the 2017 draft, Davis Hsu noted that the Seahawks were high on O.J. Howard. The feeling was they viewed him as one of the very best players in the class. In the days leading up to the draft, he was being touted as a likely top-10 pick — perhaps even a top-five pick. It was a surprise he fell to #19.

Here’s a segment of a USA Today report posted after the pick was made:

General manager Jason Licht and coach Dirk Koetter both expressed surprise that Howard, who helped Alabama win the national championship two years ago, was still available for Tampa Bay at No. 19 overall Thursday night. While Howard said his agent projected he’d be selected anywhere between sixth and 20th and “that’s exactly what happened,” Licht referred to the prospect of landing the 6-foot-6, 242-pound tight end as a “pipe dream.”

So why did he fall?

Howard was a highly touted recruit. As soon as he arrived in Alabama, he was being talked about. He was the next big thing, destined to play in the NFL before he’d even started his college career.

He never really delivered on the promise. At least not in terms of production. Many pinned the blame on offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin for never really working out the best way to use him. Considering he’s had an indifferent spell in Tampa Bay now, people might have a different take. For a player who promised so much — he’s been underwhelming.

In Lance Zierlein’s pre-draft scouting report, he noted all the positives you’d expect:

Exceptionally gifted athlete. Has long arms and massive hands for his position. Tremendous acceleration into his routes. Has tools to torment defenses on second and third level. Play speed resembles a wide receiver’s when the ball is in the air. Linebackers have no shot against him in space. Can turn a short throw into a long gain. Light on his feet and smooth out of his breaks. Easy separator who creates instant throwing windows when he hits the gas. Natural pass catcher who plucks it away from his body. Can adjust to poorly thrown balls and secure contested catches. Shows no lack of toughness over the middle. Can be lined up all over the field.

He also wrote the following in the ‘weaknesses’ section:

Scouts question his competitive nature.

And he finished with this summary:

Howard has struggled to live up to hype that has come with his play-making ability while at Alabama, but some scouts put the blame on the staff and scheme. He has elite athletic traits and raw talent, but must add polish to go along with those attributes. Should become substantially more productive as a pro, but the difference between “potential weapon” and “elite tight end” will likely be tied to his desire and overall football character.

It’s possible that Howard’s potential is more appealing than the reality.

Even so — he’s a player with the tools to be the most complete tight end in the league. His combination of size, length, speed, athleticism, agility and blocking skills could make him a perfect fit for a team that requires a classic tight end who can also act as a playmaker.

The Seahawks love a high-upside project.

Brett Kollmann published this very positive video discussing Howard:

If the Seahawks were extremely high on Howard before the 2017 draft, this might be a good match. His salary next season is only $3,530,107. They would have the opportunity to trigger his fifth year option if they wanted to retain his services in 2021. He only turns 25 in November, so he’s a good age.

One way or another they’re going to have to add a tight end at some point. Ed Dickson and Luke Willson are not long term options. Dissly has suffered two serious injuries in two seasons, so they need some insurance at the position. Howard is cheap enough, young enough and has high enough potential to be a viable option.

Nobody would deny that Seattle’s biggest weaknesses are currently on defense. That’s the area they need the most help. Yet the chances are they’ll be spending a draft pick and/or some cap space on a tight end in the off-season anyway. Trading for Howard would simply accelerate the process.

As with any trade, it comes down to price. What would you be willing to spend? They have two second round picks but is that too high for a player who hasn’t produced at a high level in Tampa Bay? Would the Buccs take a third rounder to move on? Is that a fair price or can they get him for less?

If Miller is right and there’s a lot of buzz about an O.J. Howard trade doing the rounds, it won’t be a surprise if the Seahawks are in the hunt.

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