The draft may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean the Bears are done adding this offseason … or, at least, trying:
Former Chiefs DL Jaye Howard passed physical in Chicago, received offer but left without deal, per source. Plans other visits, Chi an option
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 3, 2017
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, defensive lineman Jaye Howard has passed his physical in Chicago and received an offer letter from the Bears. That said, Howard has reportedly decided to check in on his other options throughout the league, and it is not yet clear how many teams have shown interest.
After playing in a full slate of games in both 2014 and 2015, Howard made it into just eight contests last season, as he dealt with a hip injury that cost him half a year and landed him on season-ending injured reserve. That Howard, 28, passed his physical in Chicago at all is notable not only because it may precede a signed offer, but also because he was released by the Chiefs late last month with a failed physical designation (a move that saved them nearly $4 million).
For what it’s worth, Howard recorded 23 tackles and one sack in 2016, before being graded as Pro Football Focus’ 55th best interior defender (of 127 eligible candidates). At the same time, the Bears allowed the sixth most rushing yards (1,950 yards) last season, so any help they can get will be much appreciated.
We’ll have to keep tabs on this to see if Howard returns to the Bears with his offer sheet filled out, so to speak, but until then, remember: the offseason isn’t over yet.