Will the Chicago Bears reach an extension with Khalil Herbert this offseason?

The Chicago Bears are going to have a tough decision to make with Khalil Herbert this offseason. He will be a free agent at the end of this season, so the team should try to sign him. They could end up in the Jaylon Johnson situation where his price tag goes up, and they are pressed to sign him at a much higher rate. 

Will the Chicago Bears reach an extension with Khalil Herbert this offseason?

However, it is going to be hard for the two sides to come together. On the Chicago Bears side, Herbert has made explosive plays, but has not done nearly enough to warrant a big extension. His career high in rushing attempts is just 132. There were 39 rushes just last year, with more attempts than Herbert’s career-high. This is not a number-one rusher. 

On the flip side, Herbert has to be thinking that while he has not hit 200 rushing attempts, he has been highly efficient when he does run the ball. 

Tony Pollard had 317 rushing attempts for 1,609 yards. He had 82 catches for 637 yards during his first three years. Herbert is at 364 career attempts for 1,775 yards. He has 43 catches for 287 yards, so Pollard was a bit better in the passing game, but Herbert has been just as impactful on the ground. 

Pollard got a full workload in his fourth season and ended up on the franchise tag. For Herbert, the difference between his current market rate and the franchise tag is close to $5 or $6M overall. Why would Herbert sign for $5M this offseason if he knows that a strong season could legitimately double his market value?

Look for Herbert to bet on himself and play for a big pay day in 2025. Look for the Chicago Bears to be hesitant to give him the money that would make him not want to play in the last year of his rookie deal.