What It Means:

Howard spent the 2022 season with the Houston Texans after playing his first five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who drafted him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft). While his production has not yet fully lived up to his initial draft capital, he will be joining a Raiders team that traded away starting tight end Darren Waller earlier this offseason and allowed backup Foster Moreau to walk in free agency.

Howard seemed to be on the precipice of a breakout in his third season in the league, catching 34 passes for 565 yards and 5 touchdowns in 10 games before injuries ended his season. He has caught just 35 passes in his most recent 3 seasons, but could have an opportunity to earn a role in a Raiders offense lacking in playmakers behind Davante Adams.