The Chicago Bears have been surrounded by constant buzz regarding the fate of running back Jordan Howard. People seem so insistent that the team is anxious to get rid of the 24-year old despite three years of solid production including over 900 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018. The primary reason for this has been Matt Nagy.
While the head coach himself has insisted he likes Howard and has a role for him, experts remain unconvinced. Nagy must want a running back who is more versatile. Somebody who can not only run but also catch passes out of the backfield. Something that has never been the biggest strength for Howard.
This is what led to rampant trade speculation last year. In the end, it never came to pass. Howard stayed with the team throughout the year and remains a Bear to this moment. Yet according to David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune, GM Ryan Pace had his opportunity to pull the trigger on a deal.
Pace and Bears could’ve dealt Jordan Howard for a 3rd round pick
Draft-obsessed fans will be upset with Pace upon hearing that the Bears GM had a chance to next a second 3rd round choice for this 2019 draft by dealing Howard. True to form though, he ended up declining. Once again proving that he prefers to stand by his own players.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
“Just before the NFL trade deadline last October, a team in the playoff hunt offered the Bears a third-round draft pick for running back Jordan Howard.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace declined, one of several smart decisions Pace made for the eventual NFC North champions.
A source said the Bears held onto Howard for their own playoff chase, faith he rewarded with a strong final month. Howard gained 399 yards on 88 carries in five games down the stretch, providing the reliability his running lacked earlier in the season.”
It seemed like Howard found a comfort level in the Nagy system late in the year. That was some needed good news as the Bears made their playoff push. However, he was virtually invisible in the wild card game against Philadelphia. It’s proof once again that for as reliable as Howard can be, he has limitations. He’s an almost non-factor in the passing game and lacks explosion as a runner.
Nagy isn’t going to hand him the ball 20-25 times every game. It’s for that reason the trade rumors won’t subside. Pace passed on the chance to trade him once. If such a chance comes again in the next two months, will he do so a second time? Only he can answer that question.