Chicago Bears news: Jaye Howard leaves Chicago without a deal
The Chicago Bears were not able to get defensive lineman Jaye Howard to sign a free agent contract during his visit to Halas Hall.
The Chicago Bears did not pay much attention to the defensive side of the ball in the 2017 NFL Draft. Starting with new franchise quarterback Mitch Trubisky, the Bears made four of their five selections on the offensive side of the ball.
That being said, they made a play for a big-time defensive free agent, bringing defensive lineman Jaye Howard in for a meeting at Halas Hall. Howard was released by the Kansas City Chiefs after a failed physical last week but the 28-year-old defensive lineman had been an impact starter for Kansas City the last three years.
Howard is a strong run-stuffing defensive lineman who played extremely well in the Chiefs’ 3-4 defensive system that is similar to the Bears’ style of defense. With Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman, the Bears have the makings of a very good defensive line. Adding Howard to the mix would take the unit to the next level.
The Bears met with Howard and had him go through a physical. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Howard passed the physical and the Bears made him an offer. However, the two sides left their meeting without an agreement.
Former Chiefs DL Jaye Howard passed physical in Chicago, received offer but left without deal, per source. Plans other visits, Chi an option
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 3, 2017
Schefter says that the Bears are still an option for Howard, but leaving without a deal is obviously not a great sign. I would not rule Howard joining the Bears out though. It will all depend on the kind of interest that he gets throughout the league.
Next: Mitch Trubisky should not start for the Bears in 2017
Adding Howard to the Bears’ defensive mix would be great. However, it would be more of a luxury than anything else. Last year’s third-round selection Jonathan Bullard still has the talent to grow into a strong starter for the team. Even if Bullard does not develop, Mitch Unrein is a stable starter to place next to Hicks and Goldman.