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 d.