The Chicago Bears have just four picks remaining in the 2024 NFL draft; however, if they are prepared to look into the trade market for dual-threat running back Khalil Herbert, they may be able to acquire at least one more pick.
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report recently suggested trade targets for a number of the league’s anticipated 2024 contenders and advised the Dallas Cowboys to contact the Bears regarding Herbert’s availability in light of their need to find a new starting backfield member for the upcoming campaign.
In free agency in 2024, Tony Pollard, the starting running back for the Cowboys, was traded to the Tennessee Titans after he posted two straight seasons of 1,000 yards. In an attempt to make up for the loss, they did not sign any free agents, so their top two remaining running backs are Rico Dowdle (385 career rushing yards) and Deuce Vaughn (40 yards).
Conversely, D’Andre Swift, a former running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, inked a three-year, $24 million contract with the Bears, indicating that he will be their new lead back. In addition, they have veteran Travis Homer and 2023 fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson, who could make Herbert somewhat expendable coming into his contract’s final year.
On March 29, Moton wrote, “In three seasons, the 25-year-old has recorded 364 carries for 1,775 yards and eight touchdowns.” In addition, he has two touchdowns and 287 yards from 43 receptions. With just one year remaining on his contract, Herbert may stand out [during the 2024 season] as Shane Waldron, the new offensive coordinator, takes over.
“Chicago should receive a late-round selection from Dallas in exchange for the Virginia Tech prospect, who has the potential to be a star player.”
How Does Khalil Herbert Fit Into the Bears’ Backfield Plans?
Entering the 2024 season with the Bears, Herbert finds himself in an unfamiliar situation.
In 2023, the sixth-round selection from 2021 was elevated to the position of lead back after David Montgomery left in free agency. He did a good job of handling those duties for the most part up until Week 5, when he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of the next four games. Herbert finished the regular season with two 100-yard games in the Bears’ final three games, though it took him a few more games to get back to full strength.
But in 2024, the Bears made the decision that they needed a more reliable backfield player, so they acted swiftly in free agency to sign Swift to a long-term contract. During the annual league meetings last week, head coach Matt Eberflus made it clear that they plan to use Swift in 2024, referring to him as a “home-run hitter” in reference to the signing.
Now, Swift’s presence does not always mean that Herbert is no longer valuable. With ease, he could revert to his No. 2 position and provide the Bears with a potent one-two punch for Waldron’s new offensive scheme. Although Chicago’s front office was thrilled to select Johnson in the 2023 draft, the Bears still need to find Johnson a suitable role.
Despite playing little in his rookie season, Johnson showed promise by scoring his first two touchdowns in football and averaging 4.3 yards on 81 carries. In addition, he caught 34 of his 40 targets for 209 yards, making him a more dangerous option for receiving passes than Herbert, who has only 43 receptions in total over the previous three seasons. While they wait for Herbert’s contract to expire, are the Bears willing to let him play the No. 3 position for an additional season?
Trade Of Khalil Herbert With The Cowboys Might Be Win-Win
The Bears may decide not to deal with Herbert and his expiring contract until after the 2024 season. The 25-year-old, who was selected in the previous regime’s draft, has performed admirably in his first two seasons under general manager Ryan Poles and presents a viable backup option for Swift in their rushing attack.
However, the Bears might accept the right trade offer for Herbert if they want to play Johnson more or already believe he doesn’t fit into their long-term plans.
There is a chance that the Bears and Cowboys would benefit from a possible Herbert trade. If the Bears believe that Johnson is ready to play as Swift’s backup, then getting something now rather than nothing at all makes sense, as they are unlikely to return a quality compensatory pick if Herbert signs elsewhere in 2025 free agency.
Herbert might also enjoy his newfound chance to establish himself as a starter for the Cowboys, who are vying for a postseason berth. Even though Dallas might try to add another running back in the draft, he currently has a clear path to the starting position and, should Dallas decide to make him their primary ball carrier in 2024, he could have a breakout season.
In this case, compensation is more important than fit. Although the Bears might not be open to trading Herbert for a sixth-round selection, the Cowboys’ fifth-round pick (No. 174 overall) might be able to close the deal.
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