Bengals make underwhelming move with latest trade with Bears

As the Baltimore Ravens gear up to face the Bengals, Cincinnati has picked up running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears, a move that looks more like an afterthought than a real solution to their season struggles.

Sitting at 4-5 and trying to salvage a spot in the playoff race, the Bengals opted to trade for Herbert, yet it’s hard to see how he’ll change much for this floundering offense.

Herbert’s time in Chicago was far from spectacular this season, with just 8 carries for 16 yards and a single touchdown. A healthy Bears backfield meant Herbert found himself buried behind D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, so Chicago was ready to part with him for a 2025 seventh-round pick, a price that speaks volumes about his recent production.

Khalil Herbert isn't moving the needle for the Cincinnati Bengals

So what are the Bengals really getting? Herbert flashed potential in prior seasons, averaging 5.1 yards per carry from 2021-2023, but this year has been a steep drop-off. Cincinnati hopes he can bring some juice to a backfield decimated by Zack Moss's injury and the inconsistency of Chase Brown.

But with Herbert’s recent numbers trending down, it’s unclear if he can help this offense find its footing.

For Chicago, trading Herbert seems like a move made out of convenience rather than strategy. It’s hard not to wonder if Bears GM Ryan Poles undersold his asset, especially considering the limited running back options on the market.

Still, Cincinnati’s willingness to take a flyer on Herbert suggests they’re searching for any way to get their ground game going. The problem is, Herbert is far from a guarantee.

Ravens fans should be paying attention, though. Not because Herbert will shake up the division, but because this move highlights how desperate Cincinnati is right now. While they may view Herbert as a potential piece, his addition does little to solve the Bengals’ larger issues in both consistency and firepower.

The bottom line?

Cincinnati’s trade for Herbert may be a Band-Aid, but it’s unlikely to be the fix the Bengals need. Baltimore’s AFC North rival is clearly struggling to keep their season alive, but this move probably won’t move the needle much at all.

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