The Chicago Bears didn’t use any of their picks in the NFL Draft to address holes along the defensive line, but they did play host to a player who could fit that need:
Former Chiefs' DL Jaye Howard is visiting the Bears, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 1, 2017
Jaye Howard visiting the Bears after being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs a week before the draft is … interesting.
A fourth-round pick (114th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012, Howard played his best ball over the last few years with the Kansas City Chiefs. Since 2014, Howard has played in 40 games (29 starts) and picked up 80 tackles and 7.5 sacks – 5.5 of which came in his standout 2015 season.
Howard took a step back in 2016, playing in only eight games (five starts) due to injury, while ranking out as the 55th best interior defensive lineman among the 127 qualifiers (Pro Football Focus). His 63.2 grade put him in the below average category last year, but his previous three seasons were respectable:
2015: 78.5
2014: 74.2
2013: 72.1
As a reminder, the Bears already added defensive lineman John Jenkins earlier in the offseason, but if they can come to a deal with Howard, he would be an ideal fit to play along side Eddie Goldman as a defensive end.
Howard would also be especially helpful against the run, where his 71.9 grade ranked 43rd among interior defensive linemen last season.