Detroit Lions: 4 Free Agent Running Backs to Target this Offseason
By Bob Heyrman
Jordan Howard
He’s got a perfect nickname. They call him ‘the bulldozer.’ Jordan Howard is averaging over 1000 yards per season running the football. It appears the Chicago Bears have given up on him much to early. That doesn’t surprise me too much; they are continuing to roll out Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback. The Bears selected Mitch over Mahomes and Watson, so can we really take their judgment seriously?
Howard is splitting time in Philadelphia, but at times, this season looks like the clear number one runner over rookie Miles Sanders. The pair pace the Eagles rushing attack.
Similar to the previous two backs mentioned, Jordan Howard is also a product from the 2016 NFL Draft. Howard, now 25-years old, appears to be a perfect time-share back. He’s an inside runner similar to Henry, without the breakaway speed Henry can provide at times. He’s a chain mover, a game closer–something the Lions desperately need.
He’s a younger version of LeGarrette Blount, and C.J Anderson, both similar style runners the Detroit Lions tried in their backfield. Both backs didn’t have any tread left on their tires. That would definitely be a concern with Howard as well.
Howard would be an excellent complementary power back if he does have some juice left in those legs to the speedy Kerryon Johnson and Ty Johnson. While he couldn’t carry the entire load as he did earlier in his career, he could be a featured back if injuries start to mount in Detroit’s backfield like they have this year.
Bob Quinn should kick the tires on Jordan Howard this offseason, and see if he can land himself a cheap deal on a used car. Howard is averaging 4.4 yards per carry this season with the Eagles. He’s scored 6 rushing touchdowns so far this season.