If the Chicago Bears were trying to showcase Khali Herbert during the Hall of Fame Game, the shifty and explosive running back made the most of his opportunity against the Houston Texans.
Granted, the game was primarily played by each team’s backups, but, Herbert averaged 8.8 yards per carry while rushing for 35 yards on four carries and flashing plenty of burst.
In 12 games last season, Herbert logged 611 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 132 carries while adding 20 receptions for 134 yards and another score.
While Herbert’s questionable pass-blocking ability, could temper his market, the 26-year-old’s shiftiness and burst out of the backfield could make him a hot commodity on the trade market.
Chicago may opt to keep Herbert as an insurance policy on and change of pace back alongside Swift, but, if the Bears are looking to recoup some draft capital and don’t believe he’s a scheme fit due to his pass-blocking struggles, several teams could be ideal fits for the veteran back.
Here’s a look at three teams that should explore trading for Bears running back Khalil Herbert:
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys allowed Tony Pollard to walk via free agency, and rather than making a splash in free agency or adding one of the top running back prospects in this year’s draft, Dallas seems content to enter the season with a backfield-by-committee approach headlined by aging veteran Ezekiel Elliott.
However, Herbert’s burst and explosiveness would be a welcomed addition to the Cowboys’ backfield, and he could be a prototypical “lightning” to Elliott’s thunder. While Herbert’s lackluster pass-blocking skills could be an issue, he may thrive in a role where he’s featured heavily in a rotation and can make plays out of the backfield as a receiver.
New York Giants
New York will be looking to replace the production lost by Saquon Barkley’s departure to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, and could use some veteran stability at running back alongside Eric Gray, Tyrone Tracey, and Devin Singletary.
Given that, according to Pro Football Focus, Herbert rattled off 13 explosive runs of 10 yards or more while averaging 3.03 yards after contact per carry in his 12 games last season, he could be exactly the kind of weapon the Giants are looking to surround quarterback Daniel Jones with and could make up a major piece of New York’s running back puzzle.
Denver Broncos
Given that the Denver Broncos both play in the AFC West, which means they will be facing Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs twice each season, and are likely breaking in a rookie quarterback, in first-round pick Bo Nix, doubling down on the ground attack may prove to be a prudent strategy for head coach Sean Payton and Co.
Former second-round pick Javonte Williams will likely get the first crack at carrying the bulk of the workload for the Broncos, while Samaje Perine contributes meaningful carries, but Herbert could provide a change of pace with upside to climb the depth chart in Mile High.
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