The Chicago Bears have found their groove, rolling into their bye week with a 4-2 record after a shaky 1-2 start. Winning three straight games has rejuvenated the team, with the offense firing on all cylinders and scoring at least 24 points in each of those victories. Playmakers on the offensive side of the ball have caught the attention of teams across the league, but Chicago has made it clear they’re not willing to part with one of their key weapons.
Per @DWolfsonKSTP via @SKORNorth, the @Vikings had dialogue with the #Bears regarding RB Khalil Herbert before signing RB Cam Akers and is "100% confirmed" and not speculative.
The Bears "wouldn't do the parameter of the deal" and rejected the Vikings offer.
“So prior to the… pic.twitter.com/dPm0Qq9ZB9
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 17, 2024
Bears Shut Down Trade Talks for Khalil Herbert
One of the more notable developments involves the Bears’ decision to shut down trade talks for running back Khalil Herbert. According to Darren Wolfson, the Minnesota Vikings inquired about Herbert before ultimately trading for Cam Akers.
“So prior to the trade for Cam Akers, I’m led to believe the Vikings preferred Khalil Herbert of the Chicago Bears,” said Wolfson. “Now maybe that’s, you know, diving into those speculative weeds a little bit. But 100% confirmed, the Vikings had dialogue with Chicago, absolutely had interest in Herbert. So it wasn’t Cam Akers or bust.”
Despite Herbert being set to become a free agent after this season, the Bears opted not to deal the 26-year-old running back. The decision likely stemmed from the team’s desire to keep him out of the hands of a division rival, especially one as dangerous as the 5-0 Vikings. Sending a talented playmaker like Herbert to a team they’ll need to compete with down the stretch could have proven costly.
Herbert’s Impact in Chicago
Since joining the Bears, Herbert has amassed 1,791 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, cementing himself as a reliable ball carrier in Chicago’s backfield. While Herbert is expected to hit free agency in the offseason, the Bears’ refusal to move him now raises questions about their plans for the future.
While it may have made sense to gain draft capital for a player who might walk in free agency, Chicago decided to hold onto their playmaker for the time being. With their season on an upward trajectory, it seems the Bears are focused on building momentum for a playoff push, and Herbert remains a key part of that plan. Whether the team explores trade talks with other suitors or lets Herbert test free agency in the offseason remains to be seen, but for now, he stays in the Windy City.
The Bears’ front office has shown they’re committed to the present, and as they ride the wave of a strong midseason surge, Herbert’s continued presence could be crucial to their success moving forward.
