Chicago Bears: 5 running back targets if Bears trade Jordan Howard

With the Chicago Bears rumored to be considering the unthinkable, we look at five options to replace Jordan Howard through the 2018 NFL Draft.

On Friday I wondered whether the Chicago Bears would consider drafting Saquon Barkley (if available) and trading Jordan Howard.  The responses were as expected and ranged from measured to apoplectic.  Some saw the objective value in considering trading Howard, while others dismissed it as a stupid and ridiculous idea.

Well, it appears that idea is not as far-fetched as some seem to think.  Since then, a report surfaced on Saturday afternoon from longtime Bears writer Moon Mullins.  According to sources, the Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Bears have discussed a trade including  Jordan Howard and Jarvis Landry.

The news set off a social media frenzy, evoking strong responses from Bears fans.  This is to be expected when news breaks that the Bears are considering trading their star running back.  To be fair, Ian Rapoport was quick to respond, dismissing the report.

However, as the old saying goes where there’s smoke, there’s fire.  As noted in my earlier post, Matt Nagy’s comments at the combine did not sound like a strong endorsement of Howard.  In fact, there have been rumblings that the Bears are not enamored with Howard.  This is largely due to the fact that Howard is not an ideal fit in Nagy’s offense. So don’t dismiss the idea that the sources’ statement to Rapoport is the Bears attempt at saving face if they are unable to trade Howard.

With all of that in mind, if the Bears decide to trade Howard, here are five running backs who fit Nagy’s system that the Bears could look at in the draft.