The Bears announced that they have traded running back Khalil Herbert to the Cincinnati Bengals for a 2025 seventh-round pick. The deadline deal sends the 26-year old to a place where he can be an active contributor, making this good for the player and the that added an asset for someone who isn’t part of the backfield rotation.

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Herbert has been a healthy scratch recently, with the Bears choosing to refine their roles to just two running backs. D’Andre Swift is the primary ball carrier, with Roschon Johnson as the short-yardage back and Swift’s primary reserve. Herbert hasn’t had a carry since Week 3, and has just eight rushes for 16 yards this season.

That offers some contrast to years past, when he was far more active. He has exceeded 100 carries in his previous three seasons in Chicago, with 611 yards in 2023. The Swift signing, and his production, pushed Herbert down on the depth chart and into a place where a trade seemed likely.

The Bears still have injury protection at running back, however, with Travis Homer able to step in and assist if required. This may not be the only deal GM Ryan Poles makes over the course of the day. He could sell off players not regularly used for smaller assets, or take a bigger swing and add a player to help in 2024 and beyond.