NFL Trade Machine: Jordan Howard to the Buffalo Bills

The NFL trade machine shifts towards the Buffalo Bills as they continue their efforts towards becoming a playoff team again.

Their decision to essentially blow up the roster that got them there back in 2017 wasn’t met with the greatest enthusiasm by fans. Yes, the team has worked hard to overhaul with young talent that has big upside, but thus far the results can best be called mixed. Josh Allen had occasional splash moments at quarterback but he was wildly inconsistent. Tremaine Edmunds looked quite good on defense but even that group had its issues.

Suffice to say this team isn’t where it needs to be yet. The blueprint that head coach Sean McDermott has set forth is incomplete. They need more pieces to help fit his vision for what he wants this team to be. Namely one that plays with a classic style of great defense, a good running game, and the ability to strike big on play action with that elite arm QB of theirs. The second part of that equation is a bit of an issue at present.

LeSean McCoy is finally slowing down after several great seasons for the team. He turns 31-years old in July. Nobody else on the depth chart could be considered ideal for being his heir apparent as the featured running back. This may inspire the team to consider seeking an option elsewhere.

Jordan Howard fits exactly what the Bills are looking for

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One name that has remained hovering in the trade discussions for months is Jordan Howard. The former Pro Bowler has had three good seasons now for the Chicago Bears. He ran for over 1,000 yards in 2016 and 2017. He did not achieve that in 2018 but did score nine touchdowns. At 24-years old, why would the Bears be thinking of moving on from Howard?

Scheme fit is the best way to put it. New head coach Matt Nagy runs an offensive system more steeped in the West Coast-style. That demands a running back with more versatility, able to both run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield. Howard is a good runner but has never been what one would call a prime threat in the receiving game.

It’s for this reason, along with the looming contract situation that rumors persist about the Bears possibly moving him. Buffalo has the means and the motive to go after him. They have enough cap space to hand him a long-term extension and 10 picks in the upcoming draft. That including two 4th rounders. They could simply flip one to Chicago, who has only five total, in the deal.

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