The Chicago Bears experienced a major stroke of luck this spring when the draft pick they received from the Carolina Panthers—acquired in last year’s trade involving the 2023 No. 1 selection—also turned out to be the No. 1 overall pick. They used this pick to draft University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams, widely regarded as a generational talent. Additionally, with their own No. 9 overall pick, they selected wide receiver Rome Odunze, who also has significant star potential. The Bears were proactive in bolstering their roster by trading for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen and acquiring defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders midway through last season.
On paper, the Bears seem well-equipped for success. However, they might still make further moves before Week 1, which is two months away.
Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report identified running back Khalil Herbert as a leading trade candidate for the Bears ahead of training camp, suggesting Herbert might be expendable at this point.
“Khalil Herbert is the most logical trade candidate on Chicago’s running back depth chart,” Tansey wrote. “D’Andre Swift was signed in the offseason, and Roschon Johnson is a backup with plenty of potential. Herbert enters training camp as the No. 3 running back on the depth chart, and there may not be room for him to move upward. Herbert ran for over 600 yards in each of the last two seasons, which should be intriguing for any team seeking running back depth. Of course, the Bears could keep Herbert as insurance in case of injury, but he may want more snaps from the start of the season.”
The Bears appear to have an abundance of talent in their backfield. Herbert, who recently turned 26, has played three NFL seasons, all with the Bears, and boasts a career average of 4.9 yards per carry. He could serve as an excellent RB2 for another team.
Swift, another recent addition, made the Pro Bowl last year with the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns. At age 25, he still possesses significant potential.
The Bears may face challenges in distributing enough offensive touches to satisfy all their top players. This scenario often leads to at least one player seeking opportunities elsewhere and potentially a larger contract.
While it’s not guaranteed that the Bears will make the playoffs this season, their future looks promising, particularly if Caleb Williams fulfills his potential as an NFL quarterback.
