The 2024 running back draft class is one of the least impressive in recent memory, which means that teams could trade for a proven veteran like Khalil Herbert. A sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Virginia Tech product has been a solid role player during his three seasons in the NFL. After spending his first two years behind David Montgomery, the running back finally had a chance to start in 2023. While injuries limited him to just 12 games, he still averaged a respectable 4.6 yards per attempt while hauling in an additional 20 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the solid play, the Bears could look to trade Khalil Herbert. The former sixth-round pick is now entering the final year of his contract, and Chicago probably wants to get something in return for his services. With D’Andre Swift signed to be the unquestioned starter and Roschon Johnson showing promise as a rookie, Herbert could be the odd man out in this running back rotation.
Chicago Bears Could Trade Khalil Herbert During 2024 NFL Draft
Nobody is going to give up a massive return in a Khalil Herbert trade, but somebody should be willing to give up something. While he’s not the second coming of Barry Sanders by any stretch of the imagination, he’s an elusive player capable of staying on the field for all three downs.
Given the subpar state of the 2024 running back draft class, Khalil Herbert could fetch a sixth- or seventh-round pick in a trade. All in all, that’s not a bad return for a sixth-round pick in the final year of his contract. Chicago wants to build a young roster around Caleb Williams, and the following five teams should be interested in adding a 26-year-old back with a three-down skillset.
Possible Team Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry is the unquestioned starter in Baltimore, but this team could use a reliable backup. Gus Edwards is on the Chargers, J.K. Dobbins is a free agent, and Keaton Mitchell is still unproven. Khalil Herbert has plenty of experience sharing a backfield with a mobile quarterback, which makes a trade all the more likely.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals replaced Joe Mixon with Zack Moss following a strong 2023 season with the Colts. If Moss continues to play at that level, then he should be a good enough starter. However, if he reverts to his previous form, then the Bengals could be in trouble. This is Cincinnati’s last great chance to win the Super Bowl, as Tee Higgins probably won’t be back in 2025. If they want to maximize their chances of winning it all, then they should consider a low-risk trade for Khalil Herbert.
Carolina Panthers
Miles Sanders had a disastrous first season in Carolina, and the Panthers shouldn’t expect anything out of the veteran in 2024. With too many needs to justify an early-round selection on a running back, the Panthers could trade a late-round pick for running back Khalil Herbert. The three-year veteran should be the best back on this roster and should help Bryce Young turn it around and establish himself as a true franchise quarterback.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys currently have the worst group of running backs in the NFL. After losing Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans, the team currently has Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn set to fight it out for the starting job. This is not ideal, as neither player is anything close to a starting-caliber runner. A Khalil Herbert trade would make plenty of sense, as the Cowboys historically value the running back position more than the rest of the league.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman are not hiding the fact that they want to win games with a fierce running attack. The only problem is that Gus Edwards is the only notable running back on the roster. The former undrafted free agent played well during his time with the Ravens, but he’s not a three-down threat. Los Angeles could use their early picks to fortify the offensive line and wide receiver positions before agreeing to a late-round Khalil Herbert trade.
Main Photo: Jamie Sabau – USA Today Sports
