Jordan Howard remains in a Chicago Bears uniform. Despite several months being surrounded by rampant trade rumors, the team has not made any sort of significant move that suggests the former Pro Bowler is on his way out. All GM Ryan Pace has done to this point is add Mike Davis via free agency. Nobody would call him a replacement for Howard. More like one for Taquan Mizzell.
As the days go by, speculation grows. Most believe if the Bears haven’t made a significant move by now then it’s likely Howard is safe for one more year. A trio of him, Davis, and Tarik Cohen could end up being effective right? Maybe. However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune doesn’t see that happening.
He appeared on 670 The Score Wednesday morning with Mully and Haugh to talk about the state of the Bears. When the subject of Howard came up, he did not come across as the optimistic sort regarding his odds of playing for Chicago this season.
.@BradBiggs expects the #Bears' backfield to be comprised of Mike Davis, Tarik Cohen and a draft pick — not Jordan Howard:
"You either find a way to trade him or potentially, he's released. He's under contract this season, but that doesn't mean he's here (vs. the Packers)."
— Mully And Haugh (@mullyhaugh) March 27, 2019
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In his mind Bears seem committed to moving on from Jordan Howard
That may sound a bit callous and it’s not like Biggs hasn’t been wrong before. Still, his connections to the organization at least suggest what he says isn’t out of the realm of possibility. All one has to do is look at what the Bears have been doing over the past few weeks regarding their draft visits for an idea.
Since the start of the pre-draft process at the East-West Shrine game and through the Senior Bowl, scouting combine and pro days the team has reportedly met with no fewer than 10 running backs. That doesn’t automatically mean their first pick in the draft will be one, but it sends a clear enough message.
They’re scouring the entire class looking for somebody who can be “the guy” in this Matt Nagy offense. Biggs has stated multiple times the Bears likely won’t get much of anything in a trade for Howard. Even so, getting something is better than nothing since he’ll be gone next year as a free agent anyway.
It’s hard not to feel a tinge of sadness at the idea. Howard has been such a warrior and leader, helping to pull this franchise out of the depths and back into the light. He deserves better, but the realities of the NFL can be cold and unforgiving at times.
