Bengals Make Key Acquisition with Khalil Herbert Trade Amid NFL Deadline Frenzy
With the 2024 NFL trade deadline in full swing, the Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move, acquiring running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. This trade came amidst a flurry of deals across the league, with major names like Za’Darius Smith also changing teams as the clock ticked down. For the Bengals, this move addresses a crucial gap in their offense following the recent neck injury of backup running back Zack Moss, which left the Bengals’ backfield thin behind starter Chase Brown. The Bengals are in the thick of playoff contention and needed a reliable option to share the load, protect the passer, and contribute in the receiving game — areas where Herbert has consistently excelled.
Khalil Herbert's performance with the Bears has been impressive, even though he wasn’t in the starting lineup over the last couple of games. Throughout his time in Chicago, Herbert demonstrated his effectiveness with a strong 4.9 yards per carry and notable contributions on special teams. Even though he was a sixth-round pick, Herbert has outperformed expectations, showcasing skills that make him valuable beyond the numbers, especially in pass protection. His career pass-blocking stats, including only one sack allowed in 96 pass-block snaps, underscore his ability to support a pass-heavy offense like Cincinnati's. With his impressive 7.4 yards per reception, Herbert offers a versatile skill set that can benefit quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense.
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From Chicago’s perspective, Herbert’s departure was foreseeable. The Bears’ roster already features younger talent in D’Andre Swift and rookie Roschon Johnson, who are expected to lead the backfield. Although Herbert has been a productive player, Chicago’s decision reflects its focus on youth and depth. With Herbert’s contract nearing expiration, it made sense for the Bears to move him before the deadline.
For Herbert, this trade represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a playoff-bound team for the first time. The Bengals, who boast one of the NFL's most dynamic passing offenses, have struggled with depth in the backfield and needed a player of Herbert’s caliber to step in immediately. He’ll take over as the number two running back, just behind Brown, and will see substantial game time, particularly in third-down situations. Head coach Zac Taylor and the Bengals' coaching staff seem eager to integrate Herbert’s versatile abilities, allowing Burrow a dependable backfield presence to handle both rushing and receiving duties while keeping Brown fresh for the season's second half and potentially deep into the playoffs.
The addition of Herbert signals Cincinnati's commitment to making a serious push for the postseason, as they continue to explore additional moves on defense. This trade deadline has been eventful, with several teams vying to bolster their rosters for a competitive playoff race, and the Bengals’ acquisition of Khalil Herbert is one of the headline moves to watch as the season unfolds.
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