The Bears have agreed to a one-year deal with defensive lineman Jaye Howard, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Chicago had an offer out to Howard as of Wednesday, but the 28-year-old was supposed to visit other clubs after being released by the Chiefs last month. Instead, he’ll join the Bears and likely serve in a rotational capacity on steadily improving front seven. Currently, Mitch Unrein, Akiem Hicks, and Eddie Goldman are Chicago’s projected starters along the defensive line, but Howard, Jonathan Bullard, John Jenkins, and Will Sutton give the Bears enviable depth.
Howard only suited up eight times and made five starts last year, as a hip injury ended his season in November. During his limited action in 2016, Howard added 23 tackles and a sack, and ranked 55th in performance among Pro Football Focus‘ 127 qualified interior defensive linemen.
I like this move as I consider Howard a serviceable player after the draft. I expect more such signings & if any of them exceed expectations Pace’s draft doesn’t hurt as much.
Biggs is clearly a Trub camper though he admits it could be a few years before fans have a read of whether he’s worthy to lead the team. Even so, if both Watson & Mahomes prove as worthy or better Pace’s draft looks even worse. I think they will, so I consider this Pace draft one of the dumbest in decades.