Everybody knows the Jordan Howard situation by now. The Chicago Bears have received trade interest regarding their young running back since at least October of last season. To this point, they’ve held off. However, with a lack of draft picks and need for present and future cap space, it feels like only a matter of time before he’s moved.
There is one problem though. If and when they do make the move, who will they replace him with? There are no high draft choices at their disposal so their odds of finding a starter there are remote, at least for 2019. That would leave free agency. There are certain options available. Maybe none with the credibility Howard enjoys, but definite stopgap possibilities.
Mike Garafolo, an inside for NFL Network, seems to have the name they’ll target. In this case, it’s a face the franchise remembers all too well.
Tracking Adrian Peterson’s situation, if he doesn’t stay in Washington, I would mark the #Bears as a potential team to watch. Depending on what happens with Jordan Howard and the RB market, of course. Brad Childress is close with Matt Nagy. A thought for down the line, anyway…
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2019
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Chicago Bears Adrian Peterson move wouldn’t solve the original problem
While Garafolo has credible sources, this information he’s offering feels like a considerable reach for several reasons. First and foremost, how is Peterson in any way an upgrade over Howard? He turns 34-years old this season, 10 years older than Howard and he brings nothing additional to the table in terms of skill set.
The entire reason the Bears want to move Howard is his lack of capability in the passing game. Peterson isn’t that much better. He’s exceeded 40 catches just once in his NFL career and has never gone above 450 yards. He has never had the natural talent for catching passes. So basically the Bears would be trading a younger, healthier player for an older one with limited tread on his tires who won’t alter the bottom line.
His connection to this entire enterprise is Brad Childress. Though word is the veteran coach will return to the team as an offensive advisor, his sway in the front office can at best be considered minimal. To say nothing of the questionable background Peterson has off the field in regards to him physically disciplining his children. Something I’m sure the family-oriented Matt Nagy would love having in his locker room.
