Chicago Bears: Potential replacements for Jordan Howard
By Ryan Heckman
T.J. Yeldon, Free Agent
One of the more ideal replacements for Howard lies in this year’s free agent class, still featuring a handful of capable running backs. Former Alabama Crimson Tide stud T.J. Yeldon is still searching for a home after spending the first four years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Yeldon was the primary starter his first two years in the NFL, but the Jaguars were downright terrible. Going into his third year, they drafted Leonard Fournette, and Yeldon was demoted to a backup position.
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Even as a backup, Yeldon excelled as a third-down back and showed great ability to catch the football out of the back field. First and foremost, this is one of the top characteristics Matt Nagy is looking for in a running back. If you cannot catch the football and make a move upfield, you’re not going to play in this offense. It’s that simple.
In two of his four seasons (last year being one of them), Yeldon caught at least 50 passes. Over his entire career, he’s totaled 171 receptions for an average of 7.6 yards per catch and six scores. He’s also rushed for 1,872 yards and an average of 4.0 yards per carry over his four years.