The Indianapolis Colts have continued their signing streak in free agency by netting a new running back, continuing general manager Chris Ballard's effort to prove he should keep his job beyond 2025. Previously, the Colts signed several key defenders and Daniel Jones, a quarterback from the Minnesota Vikings to compete with Anthony Richardson from QB1.
Despite having made several good moves, there are still numerous holes on the team across multiple positions that need to be filled. One of them was at running back, despite the Colts having one of the best RBs in the league. Jonathan Taylor had another standout year in 2024, and was named one of the top 10 running backs in the league. But he was largely the only running back performing last season, and the Colts are in desperate need of another running back to lessen some of Taylor's load.
Hopefully, that running back will be Khalil Herbert, who Adam Schefter reported has been signed by the Colts.
"Another RB finds a home: Indianapolis Colts and free-agent RB Khalil Herbert reached agreement on a one-year contract.Adam Schefter
Deal negotiated by @EquitySports VP of Football Samantha Sankovich and CEO Chris Cabott."
Herbert was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2021, and was promoted to the team's top running back by the end of the season. In 2022, though, he was relegated to second string again, though he continued to excel. He was named the FedEx Ground Player of the Week after he stepped in when starting RB David Montgomery was injured in Week 3; against the Houston Texans, Herbert ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He spent most of 2023 on injured reserve, and then didn't see much action at all in 2024 before he was traded late in the season to the Cincinnati Bengals, who didn't utilize him much as the season wound down.
Known for his explosive running ability, Herbert's weakness is in receiving and blocking, making him more similar to Taylor. Still, the hope is undoubtedly that he can bolster. the Colts' run game without having to rely solely on Taylor. The other two running backs, Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon, have barely made an impact, and though Herbert will likely not get the chance to be a starter, he can be a solid backup and, hopefully, one day Taylor and Herbert can develop into a formidable rushing duo.