Chicago Bears Mailbag: Pre-NFL Draft Edition

2. Why was Jordan Howard traded?

Since Jordan Howard has already been traded, I’ll explain why. Look it’s really simple. Matt Nagy’s offense is one where a running back needs to be able to run between the tackles but also catch the football. In other words, a running back must be able to do both, not just one or the other.

After rushing for 2,435 yards his first two seasons, Howard’s production took a major hit in 2018 as he only rushed for 935 yards and nine touchdowns. This isn’t to say he’s a bad running back, but his inability to be an effective wide receiver is what led to him being shipped out of Chicago.

The writing has been on the wall for Howard since the start of the offseason. The Bears have looked at multiple running backs all throughout the NFL Draft process such as Miles Sanders, Bryce Love, and Trayveon Williams. Not only that, but the team also signed Mike Davis in free agency.

For fans, there was an emotional attachment to Howard. While some are upset that Howard has been traded, if this is a move that makes the Bears better, then they should be all for this move. If the Bears running backs come out and take defenses by storm, then fans will quickly forget about the Howard trade.

One thing that needs to be understood is this: The Bears are trying to get better, not worse. The team is finding players who fit the offense vision of the team and by doing so, banking on the offense taking the next step.