Bears Haven’t Discussed Trading RB Jordan Howard In Deal For Jarvis Landry, Despite Report

March 3, 2018

Update:

Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Bears have “zero desire” to trade RB Jordan Howard, despite the earlier report. Rapoport adds that it doesn’t sound like there will be a splashy trade between the Bears and Dolphins involving Howard for Jarvis Landry.

Sources have told Rapoport that this wasn’t something that was even discussed between the two teams.

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John Mullin of CSN Chicago reports that there are whispers the Bears and Dolphins have discussed a trade that would send franchise WR Jarvis Landry and a third-round pick to the Bears for RB Jordan Howard and a swap of first-round picks.

Mullin’s sources have said that the Bears’ new coaching staff under HC Matt Nagy have concerns about Howard’s shortcomings as a receiver and how this would impact their offensive scheme.

Nagy’s offense works better with excellent receiving skills and Mullin says it’s possible the Bears could move on from Howard sooner rather than later if he really isn’t a long-term fit for them.

The Dolphins have granted permission for Landry and his agent to seek out a potential trade with another team and the Bears have been tossed out as a potential landing spot along with the 49ers, Browns, Ravens and Titans.

If a team like the Bears were to trade for Landry, they would inherit him on the franchise tag figure of around $16 million fully guaranteed for the 2018 season, but they could still negotiate a long-term extension that would lower his compensation and cap figure.

Howard, 23, is a former fifth-round pick of the Bears back in 2016. He’s entering the third year of his four-year, $2.588 million contract set to make base salaries of $630,000 and $720,000 over the final two years of the agreement.

In 2017, Howard appeared in all 16 games for the Bears and rushed for 1,122 yards on 276 carries (4.1 YPC) to go along with 23 receptions for 125 yards receiving and nine total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 35 running back out of 60 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding a potential trade between the Bears and Dolphins as the news is available.