The Chicago Bears made waves at the trade deadline the last two years as a buyer. This time they’re selling, sending running back Khalil Herbert to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Herbert was seldom used in the first eight games and hoped to get a chance to play somewhere — and that will happen as general manager Ryan Poles completed a deal Tuesday for the Bengals’ seventh-round draft pick in 2025.
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Bears in 2021, Herbert rushed for a career-high 731 yards in 2022 and started nine games last season with three 100-yard games, including two in the final three weeks.
The Bears sought a more dynamic back in the offseason and signed D’Andre Swift in free agency, and Roschon Johnson, a fourth-round pick a year ago, emerged as the No. 2 option. That made opportunities scarce for Herbert, and he was inactive for the last two games — road losses at Washington and Arizona.
Herbert has appeared in six games this season but has only eight carries for 16 yards and one touchdown.
“I just want to play,” Herbert said last week. “That’s all. I feel like I can help the team when I am on the field.”
The Bears granted Herbert’s agent permission to shop for a trade some time ago. Nothing materialized, and Herbert provided good insurance for the team. Now if something happens to Swift or Johnson, the Bears would have to turn to special teamer Travis Homer or consider another option.
The Bengals were in the market for a running back with Zack Moss out indefinitely with a neck injury. Herbert will pair in Cincinnati with former Illinois running back Chase Brown.
The Bears didn’t make any other trades ahead of the NFL’s 3 p.m. deadline.
In the last two years, Poles made moves to acquire players at the deadline — wide receiver Chase Claypool in 2022 and defensive end Montez Sweat in 2023. The Bears roster is in better shape than it was then, but they still have some needs, notably to shore up offensive line depth.
But Poles opted to hang on to the team’s 2025 draft picks as he continues to build for the future. The Bears now have eight picks this spring — a first-rounder, two in the second round, one each in the third and fifth rounds, a conditional sixth-rounder and now two seventh-rounders after the Herbert trade.
The Bears also still have right guard Nate Davis on their roster. Davis was considered a potential trade candidate after the Bears benched him earlier this season, though their offensive line depth has taken a hit with injuries lately.
More Top Picks Best Toddler Nap Mats For Preschool
The baiduhai’s Colleen Kane contributed to this report.