The Browns could be in the market for a veteran running back to pair alongside Jerome Ford, especially as an insurance policy against Nick Chubb not returning to peak form after undergoing a pair of surgeries to repair a torn ACL suffered in Week 2 of the 2023 season.
Cleveland seemingly has a limited window to close the gap on the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals at the top of the AFC North, and could prioritize adding at least one veteran weapon alongside quarterback Deshaun Watson ahead of the NFL Draft.
Cleveland Browns Should Consider Trading for Chicago Bears RB Khalil Herbert
After the Bears signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift just as NFL free agency got underway, Herbert immediately became expendable.
Last season, Herbert rushed for 611 yards with a pair of touchdowns and has posted 1,775 rushing yards through the first 42 games of his NFL career.
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Browns are facing a 2024 campaign that could prove to be a make-or-break season both for Watson and head coach Kevin Stefanski’s futures, which makes adding as many gifted offensive weapons as possible a priority.
Chubb returning to his previous dominance is far from guaranteed, and the Browns could use quality depth in the backfield alongside Jerome Ford, D’Onta Foreman, and Nyheim Hines.
What Might a Herbert Trade Look Like?
It’s unlikely Herbert would be all that expensive for the Browns.
If the Bears and Browns manage to come to terms on a trade during the NFL Draft, perhaps a deal like this would be reasonable:
Chicago Bears trade: Khalil Herbert, 2025 seventh-round pick
Cleveland Browns trade: 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 206)
Given that Chicago does not currently have a selection in this year’s draft after the fourth round, the Bears could be enticed by the chance to add a young and affordable late-round draft choice in exchange for a running back who would likely see a significantly diminished workload in 2024.
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