Should the Bears trade RB Khalil Herbert?

It’s difficult to predict what role Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert will have on offense this season. A mainstay since joining the team as the 217th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, there’s no denying that Herbert has outproduced his draft slot. The former Kansas and Virginia Tech standout has rushed for 1,775 yards and eight touchdowns in three seasons.

Injuries have limited Herbert in back-to-back seasons, but he’s consistently remained a productive member of the backfield. For example, Herbert averaged a position-high 4.6 yards per carry last season despite sharing touches with Roschon Johnson and D’onta Foreman. In 2022, he rushed for a personal-best 731 yards while averaging an explosive 5.7 yards per carry.

Despite that success, the Bears have made sizable investments at the position in consecutive offseasons. First came the drafting of the aforementioned Johnson with the No. 115 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnson also led all Bears running backs in receptions (34) and receiving yards (209) in 2023.

If you’re Ryan Poles, are you extending Khalil Herbert?

Herbert is in the final year of his contract, and Chicago just signed D’Andre Swift this past off-season.

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— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@OfficialJAYCHI) June 20, 2024

More notably, Ryan Poles signed D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract in free agency that contained $15 million in guarantees. That payday insinuates Swift will be the starting running back. With Johnson expected to have a larger role as a sophomore, is there even room for Herbert on the 2024 Bears?

Herbert is entering the fourth and final campaign of his initial four-year contract. We haven’t heard any tangible indications that the Bears are looking to extend his contract this offseason. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Herbert’s future lies elsewhere given recent happenings at the position.

Poles should consider trading Herbert before training camp if a suitable offer arrives. The Bears likely wouldn’t receive more than a 2025 sixth-or-seventh-round selection in exchange for Herbert, but it’s worth noting Poles already traded away one 2025 pick in order to draft former Kansas defensive end Austin Booker. Herbert isn’t assured a 53-man roster spot.