Depth running backs the Bears could look into if they move Khalil Herbert ahead of the trade deadline
With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert has reportedly been a popular name around the league.Herbert has become an afterthought on offense for the Bears and other teams could be looking to trade some capital to acquire the young back.According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Herbert could be the […]
With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert has reportedly been a popular name around the league.
Herbert has become an afterthought on offense for the Bears and other teams could be looking to trade some capital to acquire the young back.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Herbert could be the subject of many discussions with injuries piling up at the position across the league.
At this point, moving on from Herbert seems like a win-win for both parties but the move could put the Bears in a bind at the position. Currently, the Bears only have three healthy running backs on the 53-man roster and practice squad combined, including Herbert.
If he were to get traded, the Bears would have to find a new depth player to take his spot on the roster in case anything were to happen to D'Andre Swift or Roschon Johnson. Here are three options the Bears could look into if they trade away Herbert.
Demetric Felton
The first option the Bears would consider to add some more depth into the backfield would be bringing Demetric Felton back in the building.
Felton signed with the Bears in late July after a workout with the team. Felton was added to have an extra body in the room going into the preseason but was released by the team after the second preseason game. He had four carries for 13 yards in those two games with the Bears.
The Indianapolis Colts then signed Felton to play for them during the final two preseason games, where he had 13 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown. However, he was waived by the Colts in late August and is currently a free agent. He's someone who already has some recent experience in the offense and could easily come back.
Jerick McKinnon
Someone with a high-level of production under his belt would be Jerick McKinnon, although he would be a much older option to consider.
Like Felton, McKinnon is currently a free agent after last playing for the Kansas City Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl back in February. McKinnon is one of the top backs currently on the free agent market.
Over the last two seasons, McKinnon's totaled 1,055 scrimmage yards and 15 total touchdowns. Surprisingly, the 32-year-old has yet to sign with a new team, even after the Chiefs lost starting running back Isiah Pacheco. He's a dynamic back who would be a solid veteran to add to the room as a backup option.
Kene Nwangwu
This is one the Bears would have to poach off of another team's practice squad. Kene Nwangwu is currently in New York on the Jets practice squad and has yet to be elevated for a game this season.
Bears fans should remember his name well after he spent the first three years of his career in the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings. However, Nwangwu hasn't been that effective as a rusher in his career, totaling just 88 yards on 27 career carries.
He has been a real weapon as a returner on special teams, which would be a position the Bears would have to fill if they trade away Herbert. Nwangwu has averaged 27.6 yards per return with three touchdowns in his career on kickoff. He would be the best option to replace Herbert in his current role with the team.
ESPN proposes the best win-win trade scenario for the Bears leading up to the trade deadline
This move needs to be made soon.
