Chicago Bears: Teams that could trade for Jordan Howard
By Ryan Heckman
With rumors surfacing again about the Chicago Bears shopping Jordan Howard, we look at potential draft capital that could come back in return.
It is that time of year, folks. The 2019 NFL Combine is upon us, and while watching all of this year’s prospects take the field is exciting, there is even more at play behind the scenes. Remember, every general manager and head coach should be there this weekend. This is the perfect time for the Chicago Bears to strike up some conversations about a potential deal.
Just like last year, it seems that the trade rumors cannot escape a certain fan-favorite running back in Chicago. Yes, Jordan Howard‘s name has again surfaced amongst the latest trade rumors. One report even suggested the Bears were officially shopping the fourth-year running back.
Howard has been a very good, if not elite running back for the Bears over his first three seasons. Amassing 3,3370 yards on the ground and 24 rushing touchdowns, Howard is still one of the top overall backs in the NFL since he entered the league. It’s tough to find a work horse like Howard, capable of putting up such consistent numbers.
While he has been fantastic as a Bear, many have wondered whether the team could do better in terms of overall fit within Matt Nagy’s offense. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Howard. I am a huge fan and have been since the first time I saw him take the field as a Bear.
The reality is, though, this offense is all about speed and being able to make big-time moves in the passing game. Howard proved last year that, if called upon, he could catch the football. But, does he possess that top-end speed and agility that teams have found in guys like Alvin Kamara, Phillip Lindsay and even the Bears’ own Tarik Cohen? That seems to be the overall consensus: Howard fits, but not perfectly.
If the Bears do indeed move Howard before the draft, where could he land? I am going to take a look at some teams who either have a severe need at the position, or who possess a couple of extra draft picks and would be ideal trade partners for the Bears — or both. Let’s get into it.