The Minnesota Vikings had discussions with the Chicago Bears about trading for running back Khalil Herbert before landing Cam Akers from the Houston Texans.
Darren Wolfson of SKOR North reported the news (h/t The Purple Persuasion).
“So prior to the trade for Cam Akers, I’m led to believe the Vikings preferred Khalil Herbert of the Chicago Bears. Now maybe that’s, you know, diving into those speculative weeds a little bit. 100 percent confirmed, not reckless speculation, the Vikings had dialogue with Chicago, absolutely had interest in Herbert. So it wasn’t Cam Akers or bust. Now clearly the Bears wouldn’t do the parameters of the deal. The Vikings worked out with Houston.”
The 26-year-old Herbert is in his fourth NFL season. He’s played all six games but has just 10 touches for 20 yards and a touchdown. The former Virginia Tech star sits third in the Bears’ running back order behind D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.
Herbert has found success when given opportunities, so it’s no surprise that the Vikings had interest. Over his three-plus seasons, Herbert has rushed for 4.8 yards per carry on 372 carries. He’s also contributed some in the pass game, catching 45 passes for 291 yards and two scores.
But he seems like the odd man out in Chicago right now. Swift is the bellcow, with 110 touches over six games. Johnson has spelled him a bit with 36 touches during that span.
So there’s reasons to believe that Herbert, in theory, could perhaps be acquired prior to the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune noted why Herbert could stick around all season, making a good point about the need for depth in a mailbag.
“As part of that ongoing process, Herbert will have to bide his time. I imagine we’ll see him get more work in the weeks to come, and he has value as he provides the offense with depth. How often do you see a running back go out with an ankle or knee injury? The Bears don’t want to be caught short-handed if something happens to Swift or Johnson. So Herbert has a solid role on the team even if he hasn’t gotten a lot of action through the first six games.”
As for the Vikings, Akers provides more depth behind starter Aaron Jones, who suffered a right hip injury in a 23-17 win over the New York Jets on Oct. 6. He was deemed week-to-week but returned to practice in a limited fashion on Thursday.
Ty Chandler has backed up Jones thus far. However, he has not fared well in 2024, running for 3.5 yards per carry. He had 4.5 YPC in 2023. He ultimately gives Minnesota more insurance at the running back position, which is essentially Herbert’s role right now in Chicago.