The Chicago Bears received a stroke of luck this spring when they secured the top overall draft pick from the Carolina Panthers, acquired in last year’s trade involving the 2023 No. 1 selection. They used this valuable pick to draft Caleb Williams, a highly touted quarterback from the University of Southern California described as a generational talent. Additionally, with their own No. 9 pick, they selected wide receiver Rome Odunze, who is also seen as having star potential. The Bears further bolstered their roster by trading for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen and acquiring defensive end Montez Sweat in a trade with the Washington Commanders midway through last season.
Despite these impressive moves on paper, the Bears may still be considering further roster adjustments before the start of the 2024 season.
Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report identified running back Khalil Herbert as a prime trade candidate for the Bears heading into training camp. Tansey suggests that Herbert, currently the third running back on the depth chart, may find himself expendable with the recent addition of D’Andre Swift in the offseason and the potential of Roschon Johnson as a promising backup.
“Khalil Herbert is the most likely trade candidate among Chicago’s running backs,” Tansey wrote. “Entering training camp as the third option, Herbert has rushed for over 600 yards in each of the last two seasons, making him an intriguing option for teams seeking depth at running back. While the Bears could retain Herbert as insurance against injuries, he may prefer more playing time from the outset of the season.”
Herbert, who recently turned 26 and has played three seasons with the Bears, boasts an impressive career average of 4.9 yards per carry. His versatility could make him an attractive RB2 option for any team in need.
With the addition of Swift, who made the Pro Bowl last season with the Philadelphia Eagles after rushing for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns, the Bears now face the challenge of distributing touches among their offensive playmakers. Such a situation often leads to the departure of one talented player seeking more prominent roles and potentially a larger contract elsewhere.
While the Bears’ playoff prospects for the upcoming season are uncertain, the abundance of talent they have amassed suggests a promising future, particularly if Caleb Williams fulfills expectations as a top NFL quarterback.