The Chicago Bears have a problem at the running back position. A good problem. With D’Andre Swift taking the reins as the featured back and Roschon Johnson coming in as a power back/fourth down thumper, there’s a talented running back who’s been phased out of the offense. 2021 sixth-round pick Khalil Herbert is in the last year of his rookie deal and should be a trade piece for the Bears before it’s too late.
Bears Should Trade Khalil Herbert Before It’s Too Late
Another NFL Team Might Find Value in Khalil Herbert
Herbert is undeniably a proven running back in the league. At just 26 years old, he brings versatility to the backfield as a dual-threat player. With reliable hands and an ability to gain extra yards, Herbert transitioned from a backup to the Bears’ starting running back following David Montgomery’s departure. As the starter in the 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons, Herbert rushed for 731 yards with a 5.7 average in 2022 and 611 yards with a 4.6 average in 2023. His reduced playing time this season isn’t due to a lack of skill but rather a result of a crowded backfield as he enters the final year of his rookie deal.
It seems likely that the Bears have decided Herbert is not part of their future plans, and a trade by the 2024 NFL trade deadline is probable. He is poised to make an immediate impact on any team he joins and should be able to continue his strong performances from recent seasons. The question has never been about Herbert’s talent as a running back; it’s about which team will make the best offer to the Bears before someone else seizes the opportunity.
Teams Who Should Trade for the Former 2021 Sixth-Round Pick
Kansas City Chiefs
Who better to trade for Herbert than the Kansas City Chiefs? With running back Isiah Pacheco sidelined by a fibula fracture, the Chiefs could greatly benefit from Herbert’s skill set. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would help offset the season-ending injuries to Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice. If the Chiefs are serious about a three-peat, they need to add more weapons on offense fast.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers also make sense, given their run-heavy approach under new Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman. Through five weeks (four games played), the Chargers rank 31st in the league in second-down rushing. Adding a versatile back like Herbert could elevate their offense and open up the run game, as J.K. Dobbins can’t handle the load alone.
Dallas Cowboys
Another perfect match: Herbert could be the guy for the Dallas Cowboys. The Rico Dowdle RB1 experiment hasn’t panned out, and Ezekiel Elliot isn’t the running back he used to be. Herbert could thrive behind the Cowboys’ elite offensive line and could transform their offense. If Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones is truly “all-in,” as he claimed to be during the offseason, he should consider making a move to acquire Herbert.
Projected Trade Details
Bears Receive: 2025 Sixth-Round Pick
Chiefs, Chargers, or Cowboys Receive: Khalil Herbert
Main Image: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
