Last season the Chicago Bears resisted the urge to trade running back Jordan Howard before the deadline. They instead wanted to keep him around for what they thought was a playoff push. It proved the right decision. Howard played well down the stretch, the team went 12-4 and won the division. However, they failed to advance.
One of the big issues that prevailed from the loss to Philadelphia? The Bears running game. It was virtually non-existent all night. He ran the ball 10 times for just 35 yards and was invisible in the passing game as he’d been most of the season. It appeared to be an affirmation that he simply didn’t function well in Matt Nagy’s offense.
This would explain the revelation via Adam Schefter that the Bears were in contact with several teams down at the scouting combine about Howard’s availability. Discussions appear to be active and ongoing.
Multiple teams approached the Chicago Bears at the combine last week and discussed a potential trade for RB Jordan Howard, per league sources. Discussions ongoing.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2019
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Jordan Howard trade is sad but not hard to understand for the Bears
There are reasons that go into this move beyond simple scheme fit. Howard is entering the last year of his rookie contract. He’ll be expecting new money before 2019 concludes with free agency looming. The Bears simply don’t have enough to pay him. Not with the Mitch Trubisky contract drawing closer. They have to make sacrifices somewhere and Howard makes the most sense.
His trade value may not be through the roof but he’s 24-years old, has posted over 3,000 yards rushing in three seasons and scored nine touchdowns last year. There is lots of value in having him as a runner, especially given the lack of proven prospects in the upcoming draft class. Not to mention the fact the Bears only have five picks total this year. Adding another even at the cost of Howard is adds to the allure of moving him.
It remains to be seen what Ryan Pace can get. Reports hinted they could’ve had a 3rd rounder last year but declined. At this point it’s hard to imagine them getting a pick that high, but then again Pace has overachieved before.
