The Bears signed Jaye Howard, upgrading a big need at defensive line
Earlier in the week, Jaye Howard visited the Bears. Kyle Long was raving about meeting him, and it had looked like the two had mutual interest. Then, Howard left without a deal. Howard had to have been seeing if anyone would beat the deal that the Bears had to offer, and it appears the Bears were the highest bidder as reports have come in that Howard has signed a one-year deal with the Bears.
Former Chiefs' DL Jaye Howard signed a 1-year deal with the Bears today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 4, 2017
The terms of the deal have yet to be announced, but the thought would be that it is not a deal that will be well above the veteran minimum. Howard is a reliable starter. However, last season a hip injury affected his season, and he only started five games. When the Chiefs cut him, it was easy to assume that it had to do with his health status.
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However, the Bears doctors have obviously done their due diligence, and cleared him worthy of signing. Whether other teams cleared him or not will be a question, but the Bears think he can play.
If he can play, this is a major addition. Howard is a solid defender and a perfect scheme fit. He has 7.5 career sacks and does well against the run. In his 2015 where he started 14 games, he put 5.5 sacks and officially established himself as a name in the NFL. He can slot in beside Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks and will complete the defensive front.
It takes lower end players such as Jonathan Bullard and Mitch Unrein and puts them in rotational roles where they most likely should be. Health will be the key here, but on a one-year deal you have to love the signing. If he stays out, no harm done. But if he fits, the defense could be a stark contrast from the season before with all of the healthy names.