Eagles acquire Howard from Bears

The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired running back Jordan Howard from the Chicago Bears, the team announced Thursday.

In exchange, Chicago receives a 2020 sixth-round pick that can become fifth-rounder.

Howard has long been known to be on the trade block as the Bears seek a different style of starting running back to pair with Tarik Cohen.

The Eagles, meanwhile, had a gaping hole at the position after allowing Jay Ajayi to hit the open market.

Howard, 24, rushed for over 2,400 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first two seasons in Chicago. But his play regressed last year as he averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry, failed to develop his pass-catching skills, and had only two 100-yard rushing games.

Entering a contract year, Howard should slide into an early-down role for the Eagles while Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement, and Josh Adams likely compete for the No. 2 job.

Veteran back Darren Sproles could return to the Eagles, but he's still evaluating his NFL future.