A week into free agency, the Chicago Bears have addressed their offensive and defensive lines as well as wide receiver. Given this, in many fans' eyes, the focus on the offense now shifts to bolstering the running back room.
Currently, Chicago's RB room consists of D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer. Even though the Bears extended Homer on Monday, he'll likely be a special teamer only. Therefore, adding another back is still a priority.
Meanwhile, a former Bears RB found a bit of a surprising suitor last week. According to Colts Wire, the Indianapolis Colts signed former Bears running back Khalil Herbert to a one-year deal on March 12. Herbert signing with the Colts could be a signal that Indianapolis would like to shift to more of a running back by committee approach.
Khalil Herbert Joins Johnathan Taylor in the Indianapolis Colts Backfield
The Bears selected Herbert in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. The former sixth-round pick spent three and a half seasons in Chicago and was a productive back. Although he was the backup to David Montgomery as a rookie, Herbert had 103 carries for 413 yards, two touchdowns and averaged 4.2 yards a carry.
In 2022, Herbert saw an increase in volume as the second running back, carrying the ball 129 times for 731 yards, four touchdowns, and averaging 5.7 yards a carry. Despite the then-24-year-old missing four games due to injury, he was still the most effective RB in terms of yards per carry in 2022.
In 2023, Herbert took over as the leading running back after Mongomery left in free agency. As the lead threat, he finished his third year with 132 carries for 611 yards, two touchdowns, and averaged 4.6 yards a carry. Despite having a good third season, Herbert yet again missed time due to injury.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old didn't see the field much in the first eight games of 2024 in Chicago. As a result, Herbert was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals before the trade deadline. Although many thought he would figure into Cincinnati's offense after Chase Brown went down with an injury, Herbert only totaled 28 carries for 114 yards with the Bengals.
The Colts' top running back is Johnathan Taylor, which makes people think Herbert has no chance of seeing the field. This is especially true given that none of Indianapolis's other running backs saw more than 15% of the carries in 2024.
However, with Taylor's age (26) and injury history, it would be a smart idea for him and Herbert to have some kind of a split. Sure, Herbert also has injury concerns, but if he's splitting time both backs' health concerns drop significantly. Adding a playmaker who has shown the ability to be explosive next to Taylor could take the Colts' running game to another level.
Nonetheless, Herbert still has lots of Bears fans rooting for him to succeed.