The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that the team has exercised the fifth-year contract option on tight end O.J. Howard.

Howard (6-6, 251) was the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In his first three seasons, he has started 36-of-38 games played, recording 94 receptions for 1,456 yards (15.5 avg.) and 12 touchdowns. His 15.5 yards per reception (min. 30 catches) mark leads all tight ends since he entered the league in 2017. Additionally, he has amassed 28 receptions of 20-or-more yards, which rank fifth among tight ends during that span.

Prior to being drafted by Tampa Bay, Howard played four seasons at Alabama, earning MVP honors for his performance in the 2016 National Championship Game as he set a college football record for most yards in a title game with 208 receiving yards.

-BUCCANEERS-