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.
#Bears sign DL Jaye Howard. @PFF called him 2nd-best 3-4 DE against the run last year. Potential starter. Details: https://t.co/FNyb5xRN4x
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) May 5, 2017
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.
Jaye Howard against the run pic.twitter.com/VHp15Jje67
— Dustin Regan-Padilla (@dustinregpad) August 23, 2017
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.
Jaye Howard with the TFL pic.twitter.com/trEAlkcssb
— Dustin Regan-Padilla (@dustinregpad) August 23, 2017
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.