Chicago Bears: Three players who should’ve made 53-man roster cut

Jaye Howard, defensive end

The Chicago Bears signed Jaye Howard to a one-year deal after he was released by the Kansas City Chiefs. Howard was interested in the Chicago Bears in the 2016 offseason, yet chose to resign with the Chiefs. I could not blame Ryan Pace a bit for signing Howard. He was tied for second in highest run stop percentage in the league, in 2016.

I figured that adding a great run stopper like Howard to a stacked front seven would provide a lethal combination for opposing offenses in 2017. His run stopping ability was on display all preseason.

On this play, Howard absorbs the double team by the left tackle and tight end. He is able to power through and then disengage from the two Arizona Cardinals. He then tackled star Cardinals’ running back David Johnson, who was held to a very short gain on the play.

On this play, Jaye Howard displays his strength and short-area burst to blow up the left guard. After the left guard is taken out of the play, Howard is able to meet the running back, David Johnson, in the backfield for a tackle-for-loss.

For a guy as impressive as Howard, I figured he was a lock for the 53-man roster. I was completely shocked to see that Mitch Unrein made the 53-man roster over him. Howard is also 28, which is two years younger than Unrein. Why did Pace choose an older, less talented player to keep on the 53-man roster? I do not know, but it may be a decision that the Chicago Bears regret this season.