Khalil Herbert

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		63	1,957	9	4.7
2025		7	52	0	3.3
2024		14	130	1	3.6
2023		12

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Khalil Herbert's $1.17M deal lands at a C Contract Value Index, signaling a measured outcome for New York. The C grade reflects a fundamental mismatch between his pedestrian salary floor and the modest production that typically justifies such minimal commitments—this is a depth-piece contract for a depth-piece player, which is exactly what the Jets needed when they signed him off Seattle's practice squad to address an immediate backfield emergency. Herbert's 2025 season stats (4 receiving yards across 7 games) paint the picture of a complementary contributor operating in a reserve role, though the mediaFraming emphasizes his prior 11-touchdown output and pass-catching versatility in Chicago, suggesting he carries legitimate rotational value beyond pure statistics. At 28 years old in his fifth NFL season, Herbert is squarely in his proven veteran phase—no longer prospect-caliber, but still capable of outperforming depth-chart expectations if afforded extended opportunity, which aligns with the cautiously optimistic B+ sentiment surrounding his signing. The one-year term structure is perfectly appropriate for this contract class; the Jets aren't betting long-term capital on Herbert, they're simply filling a gap while maintaining roster flexibility. His long-term role remains contingent on the recovery timeline of his backfield counterpart, making this a classic bridge deal that succeeds if Herbert delivers complementary production without the team needing him to carry a starter's workload.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Khalil's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Khalil Herbert is a five-year NFL veteran and established depth back who has logged 63 games across his career with the New York Jets. Now 28 years old, Herbert represents a reliable reserve option in an organization's backfield depth chart, though his current production trajectory has declined noticeably. Graded as a C+ overall, Herbert's body of work reflects a journeyman contributor rather than a featured back or league-wide impact player. The concerning trend emerges in his rushing efficiency metrics, where Herbert has struggled significantly in 2025. His yards-per-carry average of 3.25 sits well below the NFL benchmark of 4.11, and notably distant from elite production at 6.49 yards per attempt. More stark is his seasonal rushing output of just 7.43 yards per game against the league average of 22.39, signaling minimal offensive involvement and efficiency when called upon. This represents a notable step back from his C-graded 2023 season, with his recent performance arc moving downward from a D- in 2024 to a D in 2025. The central question for Herbert moving forward hinges on whether his current slump reflects diminished ability or situational deployment constraints within New York's offensive system. His veteran experience and proven durability suggest he can maintain a role as quality reserve insurance. However, without a pronounced reversal in efficiency metrics or increased opportunities next season, Herbert risks becoming a marginal practice-squad candidate rather than a meaningful game-day contributor in his age-29 season.

How Khalil Compares at the Position

Khalil Herbert ranks 64th of 176 graded running backs by performance. That slots Khalil between Dameon Pierce (C+) just ahead and Jawhar Jordan (C+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Khalil Herbert enters the 2026 season as a depth running back and injury-replacement option for the New York Jets, a role consistent with his five-year career trajectory as a rotational contributor. The Jets' signing headlines frame him positively as a 'veteran' and 'dynamic playmaker,' suggesting organizational confidence in his ability to fill the void created by Braelon Allen's knee injury. However, Herbert's modest career statistics—54 receptions across five seasons—and $1.2M contract reflect his true market value as a backup rather than a featured back. Media coverage is neutral-to-optimistic in tone, focusing on the Jets' roster management rather than Herbert's individual star power, which is appropriate for a player without Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition. Fan and media perception will likely remain cautiously optimistic but muted unless Herbert demonstrates immediate production in a starting or heavy-usage role during the 2026 campaign.