The Cincinnati Bengals took a strategic step ahead of the NFL trade deadline by acquiring running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft. This decision, announced on Tuesday, comes just hours before the trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET.
This move addresses the Bengals’ urgent need for running back depth following Zack Moss’s neck injury, reported before the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Coach Zac Taylor indicated that further evaluations are needed to determine Moss’s return timeline.
Herbert, a sixth-round draft pick in 2021, is currently in the last year of his rookie contract and has seen limited action this season, recording only eight carries for 16 yards and one touchdown over six games. His recent lack of playtime includes being a healthy scratch in Chicago’s last two contests. Nevertheless, his addition provides valuable support behind starter Chase Brown, who had a standout performance with 27 carries for 120 yards in the Bengals’ recent victory against the Raiders.
Historically, Cincinnati has been cautious about midseason trades, with the only notable recent transaction being the 2020 trade of defensive end Carlos Dunlap to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for offensive lineman B.J. Finney. This latest acquisition signifies the Bengals’ proactive approach to enhancing their roster during a critical part of the season.
The Bengals’ decision to bring in Herbert reflects their commitment to strengthening the running game and improving their overall performance. With the blend of experience Herbert brings, along with emergent talents like Chase Brown, fans can look forward to a more dynamic offensive strategy in upcoming games.