Pace did the right thing at that time. I get it. We potentially had a shot at a Super Bowl run. But if we ARE moving on from Howard, I sure wish we had that 3rd round pick (Howard himself was only a 5th round pick).
You can't really have it both ways by saying Pace "did the right thing at the time" but now "sure wish we had that 3rd round pick".
That was the trade-off involved, JABF. By keeping Howard, yes Pace was gunning for a SB and denying him to another/rival team but he was also forgoing the opportunity to get better value in trade. Pace knew back then that Howard was having his worst statistical season and would have only 1 year left on his rookie contract afterwards. In other words, his trade value was clearly heading down. There's no chance whatsoever the Bears could get a 3rd for Howard at this point. A 5th is much more realistic at this point.
Since it's pretty obvious that Howard isn't the RB Nagy wants (he all but said so at the Combine), there's no chance the Bears are going to offer him a 2nd contract so there's really no reason to keep him at all. I know Pace wants to squeeze max value out here but beggars can't be choosers. Just cut a deal and get it over with. Pace should jump at any 4th round offer. A 5th is probably fair value. Its past the point where getting a high pick is possible.
day 3 pick seems about right. Down year and they showed he's not really wanted in this system. Sad but it's the reality, but in this case all teams will get a win. Bears will get a pick for a player they cannot use to his full effectiveness instead of getting nothing. IF the next team uses a run zone scheme and will give Howard 25 or so carries they both will be winners aslo.