In Week 4, the Chicago Bears finally found success in their run game, while former starter Khalil Herbert spent most of the time on the bench. This raises the question: should the Bears explore trade options for the 26-year-old running back?
The Bears posted a season-high 131 rushing yards against the Los Angeles Rams, led by starter D’Andre Swift, who racked up 93 yards and a 36-yard touchdown — the longest since Velus Jones Jr.’s run in 2022. Roschon Johnson added seven carries for 27 yards and a touchdown, filling the short-yardage and goal-line role that offensive coordinator Shane Waldron had previously assigned to Herbert. However, through four weeks, both Johnson (55) and Swift (171) have significantly out-snapped Herbert (21).
While Herbert could provide valuable depth in case of injuries to Swift or Johnson, the Bears may consider trading him, especially if they can’t carve out a consistent role for him. With the November 5 trade deadline approaching, a deal could benefit both sides.
The Dallas Cowboys, who rank last in the league with just 75.3 rushing yards per game through the first three weeks, could be a natural fit for a young running back with starting experience. Another intriguing option could be the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be without Isiah Pacheco for at least a month.
Could Khalil Herbert Trade Net Bears a 5th-Round Pick?
Khalil Herbert might not have as much trade value as some anticipate. Despite rushing for 1,791 yards and 9 touchdowns over his first three seasons with the Bears, teams could be hesitant to trade for him due to his diminished role in Chicago. Additionally, with his pending free agency in 2025, any team trading for him would risk him being a short-term rental for half a season.
A realistic trade proposal, if the Kansas City Chiefs were interested, might look like this:
**Bears receive:** 2025 seventh-round pick, 2026 seventh-round pick
**Chiefs receive:** RB Khalil Herbert
Since the Chiefs don’t own a 2025 sixth-round pick, the Bears might have to settle for seventh-round picks in back-to-back drafts. However, if Chiefs’ desperation grows in Isiah Pacheco’s absence, Bears GM Ryan Poles—who has ties to Kansas City’s front office—could potentially negotiate a better deal, such as a fifth-rounder, by including one of the Bears’ seventh-round picks in the package.
The Chiefs, however, may already feel comfortable with Carson Steele, Samaje Perine, and recently signed Kareem Hunt to carry the load until Pacheco returns, which is expected to be in November at the earliest. Pacheco intends to play in 2024, aiming to contribute to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl defense. Additionally, the Chiefs might prioritize trading for a wide receiver, given the injuries to Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown.
That said, if the Bears put Herbert on the trade block, the Chiefs could be tempted to make a move.
Can Bears Replicate Week 4 Success on the Ground?
Whether or not the Bears decide to explore trade options for Khalil Herbert, the team appears to have made a breakthrough in the run game against the Rams.
D’Andre Swift looked every bit like the running back worthy of his $8 million per year contract in the 24-18 win. He not only rushed for 93 yards but also led the team with seven receptions for 72 yards on seven targets, becoming a reliable checkdown option for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Swift’s performance was a significant improvement compared to his 68 rushing yards over the first three weeks.
Roschon Johnson also played a key role, which fans had been eagerly anticipating. The 2023 fourth-round pick flashed potential late in his rookie season, both as a runner and receiver, but was underutilized in the first two weeks of Shane Waldron’s new offense as the Bears struggled to find their identity.
The big question now is whether the Bears can maintain this momentum in Week 5.
They have a favorable matchup against the Carolina Panthers, whose run defense has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards (148.8 per game) over the first four weeks of the season. Adding to the Bears’ advantage, Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed that linebackers Shaq Thompson (out for the season with an Achilles tear) and Josey Jewell (hamstring) won’t be available for the game.
If the Bears can stay healthy, they have a strong opportunity to build on their Week 4 rushing success and put together another solid performance on the ground.
