The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a one-year deal with running back Jordan Howard on Wednesday.
Howard, declared the third-best running back in the 2016 NFL Draft by NFLDraftScout.com, was selected in the fifth round by the Chicago Bears. He finished his rookie season with 1,313 rushing yards, second behind rookie Ezekiel Elliott. Howard was also named to the Pro Bowl.
The following two seasons with the Bears, Howard carried his streak, completing 1,122 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns in 2017 and 935 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2018.
He was ranked the third-leading rusher in the NFL over his first three seasons.
JORDAN HOWARD’S DECLINE
Howard’s decline began in 2019. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2020 sixth round pick. Towards the end of the season, he suffered a shoulder injury spending the remainder of the year on the sideline. After ten games, he finished with 525 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
The following season, he signed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. He played five games and was eventually waived. Howard then re-joined the Eagles for a second stint, signing to the practice squad. He played in two games rushing for 27 yards.
A CONFUSING DEAL
The Eagles and Jordan Howard came to terms Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year deal. The 26-year-old will now join linebackers Miles Sanders and Boston Scott on the roster.
After Sanders’ injury last season, Scott was promoted to starter. Scott signed his ERFA tender with Philadelphia on April 1. The Eagles may be creating a buffer in the event that injuries plague the team again in 2021. The Birds are also fighting with a strict salary cap, and it’s likely Howard’s contract will come cheap.
On Wednesday, the Eagles also agreed to terms with linebacker Eric Wilson from the Minnesota Vikings. Wilson was the second Viking added to the team after signing safety Anthony Harris two weeks ago.
