The Dallas Cowboys could use some help with their offense, especially after they were decimated thoroughly by the Detroit Lions. In this regard, the franchise may consider acquiring Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears.Advertisement

The Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position as they head into their bye week with a .500 record. Recent power rankings reflect their struggles, with many outlets ranking them as below average following a humiliating loss to the Detroit Lions. The Cowboys’ performance raises questions about their playoff potential and overall team dynamics.

Dallas Cowboys, Khalil Herbert
Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Despite starting the season with optimism, the team’s inconsistencies have led to doubts. Their defense, once a strength, has been plagued by injuries, leaving them vulnerable against high-powered offenses. The absence of key players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence has significantly impacted their ability to contain opponents.

Critics highlight the Cowboys’ poor performance at home, where they have not won since last season, being outscored by a staggering margin. With six of their final 11 games against top-tier quarterbacks, the pressure is mounting for the Cowboys to play mistake-free football.

 

As they look ahead, the next two games against formidable opponents will be crucial. The team must find ways to adapt and improve, especially in the red zone, where turnovers have been costly. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining if the Cowboys can salvage their season and regain their status as contenders.

NFL Analysis Names Khalil Herbert as Dallas Cowboys’ Trade Target

Dallas Cowboys, Khalil Herbert
Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

If the Cowboys need a boost to their offense, Herbert might be a solution they’re willing to consider. This is shown in detail by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell and his recent mock NFL draft.

Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones might not like his offseason decision-making being second-guessed, but as I don’t host a radio show with him, I can speak freely. Dallas didn’t address its running game in the offseason, and it is struggling on the ground. Ezekiel Elliott has been mostly phased out of the rotation, leaving Rico Dowdle, who has generated minus-18 rush yards over expected (RYOE) in a relatively quiet start to the season.

There’s no Derrick Henry lurking as an immediately impactful back, but what about adding another set of fresh legs to compete with Dowdle? Herbert is probably not the sort of back to shoulder a workload of 20 carries per game, but among the 46 players with 300 carries or more between 2021 and 2023, his 4.9 yards-per-carry average ranks seventh. He generated 189 RYOE over that stretch, which ranked 11th among all backs. Some of that was playing alongside Justin Fields, but Chicago’s other backs produced minus-256 RYOE across their carries.

In a recent ESPN mock trade, the Bears are suggested to send Herbert to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. With the Bears experiencing a three-game winning streak, Herbert has become expendable, having seen limited action this season due to the emergence of D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.

Dallas Cowboys, Khalil Herbert
Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) carries the ball aBuffalo Bills in the first quarter of a pre-season game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

For the Cowboys, who are struggling with their running game, Herbert could provide a much-needed boost. While not a marquee name, Herbert’s impressive 4.9 yards-per-carry average makes him a valuable addition. This trade could benefit both teams strategically.

Dallas Cowboys, Khalil Herbert
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports