Sep 17, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Soldier Field. Photo Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles acquired running back Jordan Howard from the Chicago Bears on Thursday for a sixth-round draft pick in 2020.
The pick could be upgraded to a fifth-rounder next season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who did not specify the parameters for the higher selection. The Eagles confirmed the deal on their website.
Howard, 24, rushed for 3,370 yards and 24 touchdowns in three seasons with Chicago. The former fifth-round pick out of Indiana also caught 72 passes for 568 yards and a score.
The Bears leaned heavily on Howard in his first two seasons, but he did not fit as well into the offensive scheme of head coach Matt Nagy in 2018. The presence of running backs Tarik Cohen and free agent signee Mike Davis, coupled with the fact that Howard will be a free agent at the end of this season, prompted Chicago to shop him.
Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long expressed confusion upon hearing of the deal.
“Dude what,” Long tweeted.
Minutes later, Long shared a more positive reaction.
“(I am) happy Jordan went from one good team to another he deserves to win!” Long wrote. “Philly you’re gonna love him.”
Howard provides an immediate boost to the Eagles’ backfield. Rookie Josh Adams led the team with 511 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2018.
