Breaking: Bears trade Khalil Herbert to Bengals

Jerome Miron - USA Today Sports

by Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - Tue Nov 05 10:28:53 GMT-04:00 2024

If this past weekend wasn't rock bottom for the Bears, then it has to be close, as the past two weeks have been tough to swallow. Despite that, the Bears are still sitting at 4-4, which is a better position than last season and are still alive in the playoff picture. Tuesday could be a massive day for the Bears as the NFL trade deadline is set to take place by mid-afternoon, allowing the Bears to unload some "dead weight" to improve their roster.

Last season, many felt the Bears would be in full sell-off mode, but instead, Chicago went out and traded for Montez Sweat in what went down as one of the best and most surprising deals of the deadline. This season appears to be a bit different. The Bears are still in playoff contention, but they are in sell-more-than-buy mode for whatever reason.

When we say sell mode, we say that lightly, as the Bears aren't going to sell anyone who is a significant part of this team. Instead, Khalil Herbert is one of three names being discussed as trade options as the Bears are open for business.

That seems strange for a team that isn't as bad as people are making them out to be, but there are reasons for these names to be floated out there. Herbert may come with the most value out of the three, as he is not only a reliable RB but also a RB with starting experience. Prior to Chicago signing D'Andre Swift as a free agent this offseason, the consensus was that Herbert would be the team's No. 1 option in the backfield.

Instead, Herbert has seen minimal touches at best since week three, falling into the No. 3 role behind Roschon Johnson and Swift. With so many RB-needy teams in the league right now, Herbert would be the perfect piece for a contending team, as he would be able to give them a nice touch either off the bench or as a starter. The Bears wouldn't get much of a return for Herbert, as they could ultimately get a late-round pick similar to what the Vikings gave up for Cam Akers.

That must be the thought process going around the league, as the Bears have indeed traded Herbert, as he will be going to the Cincinnati Bengals. As part of the deal, the Bears are getting a seventh-round pick in return, which is expected when you look at the value Herbert brings to the table.

Now in Cincy, Herbert will join a Bengals team that is loaded on offense and seems to be hitting its stride. He will fill in to complement Chase Brown and Zach Moss in the backfield and give that offense an added dimension it hasn't had since Joe Mixon went to Houston.

A 2021 sixth-round pick, Herbert is in his fourth and final season of his rookie deal and has been a solid rotational player for this team. Across his 48 career games, Herbert has logged 1791 yards rushing on 372 carries with nine touchdowns. He also pulled in 45 passes for 291 yards and two scores as he has shown the ability to be a duel threat back on numerous occasions.

In addition, Herbert also served as the Bears kick returner in 2021, returning 27 kicks for 650. Expected to contribute a lot this season, the 2024 season has been a struggle for him as he has been non-existent for this offense. In five games, Herbert has touched the ball eight times and has racked up 16 yards in the process. He has also returned one kick as his role has completely diminished.

Getting this deal done is just the first of what could be several deals the team makes Nate Davis and Keenan Allen have also been floated out there as potential trade candidates.