With Justin Fields no longer a member of the Chicago Bears' offense, there will be added pressure on the Bears' running backs in order to establish an effective running game next season.
The Bears made a major move to bolster their running back position this offseason as they signed Pro-Bowl running back D'Andre Swift to a three-year deal. While there have been questions over how effective Swift will be as a rusher, the veteran is getting paid to be the primary running back in the Bears' backfield.
Swift's arrival has led to questions about Khalil Herbert. Herbert is entering the final season of his rookie contract with the Bears but if Adam Hahn of The Athletic (Subscription Required) is to be believed, the fourth-year running back could be on the roster bubble during Training Camp.
How will the touches shake out in the backfield? Swift is the Bears’ new starter. That was apparent during the offseason program, though it should have been after the Bears signed him in free agency. Herbert and Johnson also worked with Williams and the starters. And yet, it wouldn’t be surprising if Herbert is considered on the bubble at Halas Hall.
-The Athletic
Herbert was limited to 12 games last season but averaged 4.6 yards per carry. For reference, Swift also averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season. The difference is that Swift should be more of a factor in the Bears' passing game than Herbert has proved to be over the last three seasons.
If the Bears had been going to move on Herbert before the draft, it would have been before the draft. Now, given the decreasing trade value with each passing day and Swift's injury history, it would be in the Bears' best interest to hold onto Herbert for the season. However, if second-year running back Roschon Johnson takes a step forward, Herbert could be on the trade block at the NFL Trade Deadline.
