NFL Futures: Herbert to the Bengals

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Cincinnati Bengals Add Khalil Herbert to Bolster Running Back Depth

The Cincinnati Bengals made a strategic move to bolster their backfield by trading for Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. 

With NFL Futures impacted by depth and durability at crucial positions, this trade addresses a pressing need for Cincinnati while allowing Chicago to part with a player no longer in their long-term plans. Let’s examine why each team moved and what this trade means.

Why the Bengals Wanted Herbert

The Bengals acquired Herbert after running back Zack Moss suffered a significant neck injury on Friday, leaving Cincinnati needing depth behind starter Chase Brown. Moss’s injury occurred when the Bengals were already thin at the position, heightening the urgency to find a reliable backup who could alleviate some of Brown’s workload. 

Coach Zac Taylor underscored the importance of having a player who can handle some of the snaps, both in the running game and on passing downs, to help preserve Brown’s durability for the rest of the season and potentially the playoffs.

Herbert brings solid credentials that make him a good fit for Cincinnati’s offense. Known for his pass-catching ability and blocking skills, he has averaged 7.4 yards per reception over his career and allowed just one sack in 96 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). 

This skill set aligns well with the Bengals’ pass-heavy approach, as Herbert can step into the role Moss held, contributing on passing downs and providing extra protection for Joe Burrow. Immediately slotted in as the second option behind Brown, Herbert offers Cincinnati stability, pushing Trayveon Williams and Kendall Milton, recently elevated from the practice squad, further down the depth chart.

Why the Bears Moved on from Herbert

The Bears decided to trade Herbert as the team began to pivot towards younger talent and different offensive schemes. Herbert had been a valuable player for Chicago since being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, where he amassed 1,791 rushing yards and nine touchdowns over four seasons. 

His 4.9 yards per carry proves his efficiency, and he even contributed on special teams, further highlighting his versatility. Despite this, Herbert was made a healthy scratch in recent games for the first time in his career, signaling that his role was diminishing within the Bears’ system.

Chicago is now committed to their backfield lineup, featuring D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, who is seen as the franchise’s future running back. With Herbert in the final year of his rookie contract and unlikely to be re-signed, the Bears opted to capitalize on the opportunity to get value for him now. 

While depth remains a minor concern—if Swift or Johnson were to go down, Travis Homer would step up—the team is confident in Homer, backed by offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s support. Ultimately, this move provides Herbert with an opportunity to join a playoff-contending team, an experience he has yet to have in his career.

How the Trade Impacts Each Team

This trade serves the immediate needs of both franchises. Herbert’s arrival strengthens the Bengals’ depth and gives them a reliable back who can protect Burrow, catch passes, and relieve some of the burden on Chase Brown. 

Cincinnati’s playoff hopes and aspirations to make a deep postseason run mean that every position needs solid, capable depth, especially in a physically demanding division like the AFC North. 

Herbert’s skill set is a natural fit for the Bengals’ offensive scheme, and he’s likely to be a key contributor in pass-blocking situations and third-down plays.

Moving on from Herbert allows the Bears to focus entirely on developing Swift and Johnson while freeing up roster space. Chicago gains a late-round draft asset, which may be small but provides an opportunity for future roster building as they continue their rebuild. 

Additionally, trading Herbert gives the Bears the flexibility to assess their younger players in a year focused on building toward the future.

Ultimately, the Bengals gain immediate depth and versatility with Herbert, addressing a crucial need, while the Bears offload a player who no longer fits into their long-term vision. This trade is a classic win-win, where both teams enhance their outlooks in ways that align with their respective goals for the season.