Although Jordan Howard matched his career high with nine rushing touchdowns last season, his overall and per-carry yardage numbers continued to decline. The Bears‘ starting running back failed to eclipse 1,000 yards for the first time and averaged 3.7 per tote, as Tarik Cohen gained a bigger foothold in Matt Nagy‘s offense. Howard did not make progress as a receiving back, either, in his third year. The Bears are indeed shopping Howard at the Combine, according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora. One season remains on the former fifth-round pick’s rookie contract.
Here is the latest from the NFC North:
- Also being dangled for a trade, per JLC: Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes. One of three first-round picks in Minnesota’s corner corps, Waynes has been a two-year starter. But he is going into his fifth-year option season, which will cost the Vikings just more than $9MM. With Kirk Cousins‘ fully guaranteed contract on their books, along with several recently extended homegrown talents, the Vikings are up against the cap, holding barely $7MM.
- One place the Vikings may need funding for is their offensive line. Guard starter Nick Easton missed all of last season, hurting an already embattled unit, and is slated for unrestricted free agency. Rick Spielman said (via the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer) Easton should be medically cleared to resume his career soon. Easton underwent surgery to address a herniated disk in his neck. Easton also fractured his ankle in December 2017, so he may have to settle for a one-year deal somewhere.
- Brian Gutekunst confirmed what we heard recently: Jimmy Graham will have a second chance to make an impact with the Packers. A possible cap casualty, Graham is in line to come back, per Gutekunst (via ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky). When asked Wednesday about Graham, Matt LaFleur was not yet sure the 32-year-old is the type of tight end that can create matchup problems at this point in his career, adding the caveat of not being in Green Bay last year to observe the physical issues with which Graham dealt.
- Gutekunst was non-committal about Nick Perry‘s future with the team. Indicating the veteran outside linebacker has been productive when on the field, the second-year Packers GM said a decision has not been made on this front. “Nick’s struggled through some injuries,” Gutekunst said. “It’s been unfortunate. When he’s been out there, he’s been a good player for us. We’ll make those decisions as they come.” It would not be financially advantageous for the Packers to cut Perry. The cap savings would barely exceed $3MM, while the dead-money figure would surpass $11MM. Three years remain on the contract Perry signed in 2017. Perry played in nine games last season and 12 in 2017. He registered just 1.5 sacks last season.
Best to trade Howard now.
No it’s not. PFF indicated the problem this year was the blocking, not Howard. Nagy needs to adjust his scheme to his players, as he was doing more at end of season. Unless someone is willing to offer a 3, which is unlikely in his last season, It makes no sense. Howard is the only true running back they have, and they don’t have cap space to sign anyone.
I think they should stick with Howard until they can add some depth. Cohen really isn’t suited to be a bell cow type runner.
I agree that Cohen isn’t a bell cow, but if blocking was the issue, then why did Howard average 3.7 ypc and Cohen 4.5 ypc? I’m sure a lot of it had to do with Howard being more of a between the tackles kind of RB, but they need more production. 3.7 ypc just isn’t going to cut it when you’re also not a weapon in the passing game.
Depends what you get for him
Of course.
I’d give Perry one more season to get healthy and make an impact. As for Matthews, I’d only have him back with a big pay cut. if not, wave goodbye to him and Cobb.
Good with Cobb going by the wayside. Problem with Perry and Matthews is that it’s a position that is overplayed in FA. Realistically you need 4 good edge rushers. We have a couple halves of one. We need to draft 2 of our first 5 at edge and keep Clay and Nick for 1 more year. Best thing we can do to improve our D is to keep their butts off the field. Our offense last year was absolutely pathetic.
Agreed on Cobb and Matthews. Regardless of what we think of Perry, he isn’t going anywhere in 2019, purely due to his contract. Not saying I like it, but just the way it is.