New York Jets running back Breece Hall, who has been the subject of trade rumors and speculation as he plays out his contract year, authored a cryptic GIF on social media as Tuesday’s trade deadline looms in less than a week.
The 24-year-old Hall, who is in his fourth NFL season, has amassed 759 total yards and two touchdowns in eight games. His 72.6 rushing yards per game rank 10th in the NFL.
The 1-7 Jets, barring a miracle, will not be making this year’s playoffs. Hall is an impending free agent, so on paper, it would make sense for the Jets to make a deal and get draft capital back to avoid losing him to another team in the offseason.
That being said, Hall has showcased why the Jets selected him with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He’s gained 100 or more yards from scrimmage in four of eight games and just saved his best effort for last Sunday, when he had 147 total yards and two scores in a 39-38 road win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
That day may have quieted the rumors a touch. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that folks within Jets headquarters are “leery” of trading Hall given (a) the team’s lack of depth at position (backup Braelon Allen is notably out until at least December with an MCL injury) and (b) how well he played against the Bengals.
“The fact is, there’s a price for almost everything, and if a team gives the Jets a strong enough offer for Hall, they would probably take it,” Graziano added.
“But a couple of weeks ago, I would have expected them to deal Hall just to get something in return before he left as a free agent. Now, it feels more possible that they consider bringing Hall back next season, in which case they might be more hesitant to trade him now.”
A few different landing spots make sense if Hall is dealt, perhaps most notably the Kansas City Chiefs, who are surging at 5-3 after a 0-2 start and perhaps could use a little more depth after losing Isiah Pacheco on a week-to-week basis with an MCL injury.
For now, though, Hall remains a Jet. It’s possible he’s played his last game in a Jet uniform with the team now entering its bye week, but if Hall stays aboard, he’ll lead the backfield on Sunday, Nov. 9 at home against the Cleveland Browns.