6 Bears on the Bubble Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

1. Khalil Herbert, Running Back

When David Montgomery left in free agency last year, it opened the door for Khalil Herbert. A sixth-round pick from Virginia Tech in 2021, Herbert had been playing well in a backup role behind Montgomery.

Once he was thrown into the starting role, he put up good numbers but struggled with durability. Herbert missed five games, finishing the season with 611 yards and two touchdowns. He did still average 4.6 yards per carry, which is promising. However, he enters 2024 as the RB2 at best and could be pushed to RB3.

Roschon Johnson, a fourth-round pick from Texas, recorded 352 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games. He averaged 4.3 yards per attempt and proved to be a force as a 225-pound running back.

More than just a power back, Johnson stood out as a receiver. During his rookie campaign, he had 34 receptions for another 209 yards. Johnson, who was overshadowed by Bijan Robinson with the Longhorns, could prove to be a better option as the backup to D’Andre Swift, who was signed this offseason to a three-year deal.

The good news for Herbert is that he’s not likely to be cut and forced to sit on the open market. He’s talented enough to be featured in a running back committee. That’s why it would make sense for the Bears to trade him if they didn’t believe he could beat out Johnson.

Chicago might not get a lot in return but with Herbert set for free agency in 2025, it’s not a bad idea to get what they can now.

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