The Chicago Bears received a stroke of luck this spring when a draft pick acquired from the Carolina Panthers last year—originally traded as the 2023 No. 1 selection—turned out to be the first overall pick in the draft. With this pick, they selected Caleb Williams, a highly touted quarterback from the University of Southern California considered a generational talent. Adding to their arsenal, they used their own No. 9 pick to draft wide receiver Rome Odunze, who is seen as having significant 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 mid-season trade with the Washington Commanders.
While the Bears appear formidable on paper, they are not done making moves ahead of the upcoming season, which begins in two months. Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report identified running back Khalil Herbert as a prime candidate for trade before training camp begins. Tansey suggests that Herbert, who enters camp as the team’s third-string running back behind newly signed D’Andre Swift and backup Roschon Johnson, may find himself surplus to requirements.
“Khalil Herbert is the most logical trade candidate on Chicago’s running back depth chart,” Tansey wrote. “With the addition of D’Andre Swift in the offseason and Roschon Johnson showing potential as a backup, Herbert’s path to significant playing time may be limited.”
Herbert, who recently turned 26 and has played all three of his NFL seasons with the Bears, boasts an impressive career average of 4.9 yards per carry. While he could serve as an excellent RB2 for another team, the Bears face a challenge in distributing playing time among their talented offensive players, potentially leading to Herbert seeking a move for more playing opportunities.
Swift, another notable addition to the Bears’ roster, earned a Pro Bowl nod last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns at the age of 25, indicating further potential for growth.
As the Bears navigate their crowded roster, ensuring ample touches for their offensive stars could become a balancing act. Such situations often result in talented players seeking opportunities elsewhere to maximize their impact and possibly secure a larger contract.
While the Bears’ playoff prospects for the upcoming season are uncertain, their newfound talent has positioned them for a promising future, contingent upon Williams’ development into a successful NFL quarterback.
