Doug Kyed mailbag answer on a wrinkle in the OJHoward talk:
Is it possible to trade the rights to Gronk for OJ Howard? Do you think the Patriots would offer a 3rd round pick for Howard if not?
Yes, it is possible if Rob Gronkowski really does want to come back and play with Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots can trade Gronkowski’s rights to the Buccaneers, and then Tampa Bay could activate him. And O.J. Howard could be included in that deal. The Patriots might need to chip in a pick to complete the trade.
Some Patriots fans seem to be overvaluing Gronk. He’s retired, and the Patriots’ hands would be tied if he wants to return. The Patriots aren’t going to get a haul for him if he’s even interested in playing. OK? OK.
If Gronkowski isn’t involved, then yes, I do think the Patriots would offer a third-round pick for Howard. I don’t think that gets it done, though. I think a second-round pick makes sense for Howard, but the Patriots don’t have one. So, that’s a problem. Would the Patriots be willing to offer a first? Probably not. Would the Bucs take a third-round pick? Eh. Two thirds? Maybe. Joe Thuney? The Buccaneers need another guard.
https://nesn.com/2020/04/patriots-mailbag-is-tua-in-play-how-could-pats-acquire-o-j-howard/