We are now four weeks from NFL Draft weekend in Nashville, Tennessee and teams continue to make moves to improves their respective rosters, which will ultimately impact the crucial decisions made in Music City 27 days from now. Here is all the news you need to know from this week in the NFL.
Eagles Acquire Howard
The Chicago Bears have reportedly been shopping starting RB Jordan Howard for most of the offseason and finally found a taker in the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears ship Howard to the City of Brotherly Love in exchange for a 2020 sixth-round pick, which could become a fifth based on Howard’s performance. Howard has been a liability in the passing game, though the Bears were able to overlook that given the presence of RB Tarik Cohen. After an impressive rookie season in which Howard rushed for over 1,300 yards, his rushing numbers, along with his reception total, has decreased each year. Entering the final season of his rookie contract, it became clear that Chicago was ready to cash out. Considering they spent a fifth-rounder on Howard in 2016 and could all but recoup that pick next season, this has to be considered a win for the Bears.
The deal also makes a lot of sense for Philadelphia, who has been trying to fill the running back gap since RB LeSean McCoy was sent packing following the 2014 season. The Eagles have made moves at the position over the years, signing RB DeMarco Murray and trading for RB Jay Ajayi most notably, but they haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Shady went to Buffalo. Howard represents another effort to find a lead back, though fantasy owners should temper our expectations as HC Doug Pederson has made it clear he prefers a committee approach to the backfield.
Along with Howard, the Philly backfield now includes Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement, Josh Adams, Donnel Pumphrey and Boston Scott. Longtime Eagles RB Darren Sproles is still deciding on his future, but even with the logjam of backs, it would not be a surprise to see him return to the team as well. Smallwood, Clement and Adams each had a shot at the lead role over the past two seasons, but none was able to set themselves apart, which forced this move.
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Philadelphia had been a popular choice as a landing spot for a top rookie, perhaps Alabama’s RB Josh Jacobs, who is projected to be the first rookie back selected next month. That scenario is unlikely now, given this trade, though it does create another potential landing spot in Chicago.
The Bears depth chart is now headed up by Cohen and former Seattle RB Mike Davis, who was recently signed to a two-year, $6 million deal. While Cohen is clearly not suited to be a lead back, Davis might be. While RBs Chris Carson dealt with injuries last season, it was Davis, not first-round RB Rashaad Penny, who was inserted into the lineup. He responded with a pair of 100-yard games and five total touchdowns.
For now, both Howard and Davis are clear fantasy winners as a result of this trade, though Davis could be sunk as a result of the NFL Draft next month.
Cowboys Land Quinn
Another player who has resided on the trading block in recent weeks is DE Robert Quinn. The tanking Dolphins were finally able to pull off a deal, acquiring a sixth-round pick in 2020 from the Dallas Cowboys. The pairing makes a lot of sense as Dallas is suddenly very thin on the line with the suspension of Randy Gregory and the inevitable holdout of DeMarcus Lawrence.
Oakland Signs Crowell
Like the Eagles, the Oakland Raiders had a massive backfield gap to fill. Last year, they largely relied on veterans Doug Martin and Marshawn Lynch, both of whom are now free agents. That left pass-catching RB Jalen Richard as the top option, along with RBs DeAndre Washington and Chris Warren. That all made recently released RB Isaiah Crowell a perfect option for the Raiders. After a somewhat promising beginning to his career in Cleveland, Crowell has seemingly regressed each year, including his 2018 bust of a campaign with the Jets. After New York added RB Le’Veon Bell, Crowell was very expendable. He has a chance to resurrect his career and his fantasy value in Oakland as the current favorite to become the team’s starting back. With plenty of draft ammo though, there is a good chance that Oakland is not done upgrading their backfield. Much like Mike Davis, Crowell’s fantasy stock is on the rise, but far from a sure thing.
Patriots Coaching Moves
In a surprise move, Greg Schiano resigned from his role as Patriots defensive coordinator just weeks after being hired. In a statement, Schiano said he needed to focus on “his faith and his family.” The move comes just one day after the team announced that former LB Jerod Mayo would be joining the coaching staff. Patriots beat writers have already suggested that HC Bill Belichick himself could operate as the defensive play-caller.
Quick Hits:
Colts GM Chris Ballard suggested RB Marlon Mack could be a three-down back. Mack had a solid season in the lead role a year ago, but that didn’t stop the rumors of the Colts’ interest in RB Le’Veon Bell. After drafting RBs Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins a year ago, it is unclear if Indy would be in the market for another rookie this season. … Cowboys CB Byron Jones recently underwent hip surgery and is expected to be sidelined until training camp. … Oakland signed former Denver LB Brandon Marshall to a one-year deal. … Titans HC Mike Vrabel suggested he wants to build the offense around RB Derrick Henry. … Former Oklahoma WR Marquise Brown (Lisfranc) has been cleared to begin running again.
