Right before the draft, the Kansas City Chiefs released Jaye Howard, their former starting defensive end. Howard had a hip injury, and it ruined his recent season. Howard was only active for eight games and only started five. It is easy to speculate that may be a part of the reason why Kansas City would walk away from a potential starter.
However, he had 24 starts in the two seasons before and has 7.5 career sacks. He is a great fit for a 3-4 defensive end, and it is a very easy connection to think that the Bears would be interested in Howard.