ESPN proposes the best win-win trade scenario for the Bears leading up to the trade deadline

The NFL trade deadline buzz has been in full swing this week with stars such as Davante Adams and Amari Cooper already finding new homes for the rest of the season.Surprisingly, there hasn't been a lot of trade news coming out of Chicago with the Bears currently spending the week off during their bye.A lot […]

Kole Noble Chicago Bears News Writer
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Dec 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) practices before the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field.
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The NFL trade deadline buzz has been in full swing this week with stars such as Davante Adams and Amari Cooper already finding new homes for the rest of the season.

Surprisingly, there hasn't been a lot of trade news coming out of Chicago with the Bears currently spending the week off during their bye.

A lot of fans are wanting the team to beat the deadline with another splash addition, but it's starting to seem like the Bears might be selling rather than buying this year.

For a team sitting at 4-2, and certainly on the come up, that might be a surprise to many. But, the Bears do have a few outcasted players on the roster who could be moved in the coming days for some future draft capital to keep building the roster.

The most obvious player on that list has to be running back Khalil Herbert. The former starter for the Bears has been non-existent on offense outside of six QB kneels over the last two games. Clearly, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has no vision for the 26-year-old in his offense and Herbert is currently on the final year of his rookie deal.

The recipe is there for the front office to find Herbert a new home, if a team is willing to give up a future draft pick for him, and ESPN's Bill Barnwell might have found the perfect trade partner.

Chicago should trade Khalil Herbert to Dallas

On Thursday, Barnwell offered 12 trade proposals for various teams and players around the league leading up to the November 5th deadline. One of those trade proposals had the Bears trading Herbert to the Dallas Cowboys, and it makes sense. Here's what Barnwell's proposal looked like:

Bears Receive: 2025 Sixth Round Pick
Cowboys Receive: RB Khalil Herbert

This trade seems like a win-win-win in all honesty. The Bears are able to add another sixth round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cowboys can add an explosive young back with fresh legs, and Herbert gets an opportunity to find more playing time. Here's more from what Barnwell had to add about this potential fit:

"Ranking 28th in success rate suggests Herbert was hitting big plays as opposed to racking up steadier gains, but the Cowboys' longest run of the season has gone for 12 yards. Herbert had 24 runs for 13 or more yards during his first three seasons with the Bears. Some explosiveness wouldn't hurt, even if he would only become a part of the rotation." – ESPN's Bill Barnwell

The only downside to moving Herbert for Chicago is the fact that the Bears lack the needed depth in the backfield to make this move. 

Travis Homer is currently on the injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his finger and undrafted rookie Ian Wheeler is out for the year with a torn ACL. The only backs currently on the Bears roster or practice squad are D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Herbert. Moving Herbert would leave the Bears with only two healthy backs.

The team does have Velus Jones Jr. whom the team moved from wide receiver to running back during the preseason. But he hasn't been able to inspire much confidence when he has the ball in his vicinity. 

Personally, this is still a move I think the Bears should make. Herbert's proved he can be a productive back in this league and needs a new environment that will utilize his skillset. And adding future picks for a player you don't use is never a bad idea. Figuring out the depth at the position can be a later problem to worry about.