The Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs may trade for 1,700-yard playmaker, Khalil Herbert before this upcoming season. According to a report, many sources believe that Herbert could be on the chopping block entering his contract year this season and he may wind up in a new uniform. It may be logical for the Chicago Bears to get something in return before letting him off in the free-agent market. The Bears are bringing in D’Andre Swift as their new starter at running back and Roschon Johnson probably has everything that Chicago wants in a backup.
However, he may be too good of a player to cut but he’s been dealing with injuries after only playing in 12 games in 2023. Herbert was able to haul in 20 passes for 134 receiving yards and one touchdown while accumulating 611 rushing yards. This isn’t starter potential but it’s good production to have around if the Bears decide to keep him around but Swift may be too good this season. It wouldn’t be smart for the team to cut him but rather find a trade partner.
Herbert acknowledges that there is competition on the roster but he should be safe to stick around if the Bears don’t have other ideas. The Ravens are a team that’s been addressing the position after signing Derrick Henry to give some support and speed to Lamar Jackson. However, they don’t have anyone behind them who can be reliable if Henry is hurt or unproductive. Keaton Mitchell is on the physically unable-to-perform list so it’s easier to trade for a running back that will likely be available.
However, Jerick McKinnon isn’t around for the Chiefs anymore so they could beef up the competition for Clyde Edwards-Helaire by bringing Herbert as their No. 3 running back.
Ravens, Chiefs May Trade for 1,700-Yard Playmaker Khalil Herbert
Other Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys surprisingly haven’t been able to do much for the running back position since losing Tony Pollard. Ezekiel Elliott is coming back but he’s past his prime so it’s safe to assume the outlook of this depth looks weak. Royce Freeman, Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis don’t bring anything to the team in terms of specialty. They’re more of short-term solutions for deeper problems that the Cowboys have.
However, one source offers a pitch that Dallas should trade for Herbert to address the woes. Freeman doesn’t look to be a roster lock so it may be safe for the Cowboys to bring in a running back with value. Dallas would have to give up no further than a mid-round pick. Herbert isn’t anyone that can replace someone like Elliott but it gives the Cowboys more breathing room and insurance policy.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh is going to be running this offense in an old-school style by running the ball often. However, this means J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards won’t be able to afford to miss any more time in their careers with injuries. No one shouldn’t be surprised if they do since they have an excellent track number of injuries already. Joshua Kelley is a solid No. 3 that can be starter potential but the Chargers would just be left with him if Dobbins and Edwards are injured.
Herbert would be an excellent weapon on rotation to keep around on a potential two-year deal until the team figures out what they need to do at running back.
Carolina Panthers
This probably won’t happen this season but if the Panthers want to continue stacking talent around Bryce Young, then they could. Miles Sanders has been a disappointment even though it was his first year with the team last season. However, Rashaad Penny’s signing and drafting of Jonathon Brooks could spell trouble for Sanders in the long term. It would be safe for the Panthers to consider trading Sanders in return for Herbert to serve the term as a rotational piece alongside Penny.
