The Cincinnati Bengals have bolstered their running back depth by trading for Chicago Bears' Khalil Herbert, a versatile back known for his all-around capabilities.
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant addition to their running back room, acquiring Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick, according to multiple reports on Tuesday morning.
Herbert, a 24-year-old running back, has emerged as a valuable asset for the Bears over the past two seasons, showcasing his versatility and reliability both as a ball carrier and receiver out of the backfield.
Cincinnati Bengals Acquire Versatile Running Back Khalil Herbert from Chicago Bears
Herbert, a sixth-round pick by the Bears in 2021, quickly proved his worth in Chicago, rushing for 719 yards and 4 touchdowns in his rookie season. In 2022, he further displayed his versatility by catching 51 passes for 434 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Herbert's arrival in Cincinnati comes at an opportune time, as the Bengals look to fill the void left by the departure of Joe Mixon in free agency. Herbert will provide a dynamic complement to Samaje Perine, offering a combination of speed, power, and pass-catching ability.
Herbert is known for his well-rounded skill set, excelling in both the ground game and passing game. He possesses a combination of speed and power that allows him to break away from tackles and gain tough yards, while his soft hands and route-running ability make him a dangerous weapon in the passing game.
However, it's worth noting that Herbert has dealt with some injury issues in the past. He suffered a hip injury in 2022 that limited him to 10 games, and he also missed time in 2021 with a hamstring injury.
Herbert is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will carry a cap hit of approximately $1 million in 2023. The Bengals have the option to extend his contract beyond this season, but it remains to be seen whether they will pursue such a move.
Herbert's addition will undoubtedly bolster the Bengals' offense, providing quarterback Joe Burrow with another reliable target in the backfield. His versatility will allow the Bengals to be more creative in their play-calling, both on the ground and through the air.
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a shrewd move by acquiring Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. Herbert is a versatile and talented running back who will bring a much-needed skill set to the Bengals' offense. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Herbert's arrival will undoubtedly be a welcome addition.
