Jets RB Breece Hall Could Be Trade Target if New York Jets Struggle in 2025

Breece Hall, the 24-year-old running back for the New York Jets, is someone to keep an eye on as the 2025 NFL season nears. While no transaction is imminent, and the Jets are not expected to make any immediate moves, Hall has been identified by ESPN’s Rich Cimini as a “prime” trade candidate if New York struggles to contend during the upcoming campaign.
Hall’s name originally surfaced in trade rumors during the 2025 NFL Draft. The speculation became so intense that Jets head coach Aaron Glenn contacted Hall directly. According to Hall, Glenn told him, “I don’t want to trade you. I want you to be here. You’re going to be our running back.” This direct communication from Glenn helped to settle Hall’s concerns, especially as the trade talk gained volume in the weeks surrounding the draft.
The Jets intend to feature a run-oriented offense in 2025. Hall, as their most accomplished back, remains a core part of that offensive vision. Glenn’s backing, as described by both Hall and Cimini, reinforces that the Jets see Hall as essential to their current strategy. However, Cimini emphasized that this stance could change if the Jets fall out of playoff contention by the NFL’s midseason trade deadline.
Further fueling speculation is Glenn’s known admiration for other running backs currently on the Jets’ roster, specifically Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. Both were acquired recently and have garnered praise from within the organization. Their presence could give the team flexibility should they decide to shop Hall if circumstances change later in the season.
Hall, a second-round pick (No. 36 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, a four-year deal worth $9 million in total. According to Spotrac, his current projected market value is $28 million over a new four-year deal, suggesting that he could command a sizable contract on the open market or in extension talks.
His career started with impressive production. In his rookie season, Hall racked up nearly 700 scrimmage yards and five total touchdowns in just seven games, two of which he started. However, his season was cut short in October 2022 when he suffered a torn ACL during a game against the Denver Broncos. Despite the injury, Hall has totaled 2,333 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, along with 152 receptions for 1,292 receiving yards and eight touchdowns through the air in his first three NFL seasons.
Meanwhile, teams around the league are keeping an eye on Hall’s situation. The Chicago Bears have emerged as a logical destination should Hall be placed on the trade block. Bears head coach Ben Johnson has experience managing a highly effective running back tandem during his time with the Detroit Lions. Under Johnson, the Lions successfully deployed Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery after trading away D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
Chicago’s current roster has D’Andre Swift as the starting running back for 2025, but his performance last season was underwhelming compared to expectations. After signing a three-year, $24 million contract, Swift accumulated 1,345 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns in 2024 but averaged only 3.8 yards per carry on 253 rushing attempts—a career low.
Behind Swift is third-year back Roschon Johnson, whose career to this point has been inconsistent. Johnson has also suffered multiple concussions, which have limited his reliability. The Bears were reportedly interested in signing free agent Nick Chubb before the veteran back agreed to a one-year contract with the Houston Texans. The failed pursuit could indicate Chicago’s intent to add another running back, potentially making them strong contenders in a Hall trade scenario.
Elsewhere in the league, the Jets themselves are being connected to another potential blockbuster trade involving Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Sutton, entering the final year of his contract, could be moved if Denver struggles in 2025. The Jets, now led by quarterback Justin Fields, are still seeking a solid WR2 behind Garrett Wilson after failing to extract meaningful production from Davante Adams.
Currently, New York has Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds in the receiver rotation. Sutton, who had his best statistical season in 2024 but has yet to receive an extension, could be a fit. However, rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele has been making waves in Broncos training camp, which could complicate Sutton’s role in Denver and open the door for a trade.
The Cowboys and Chargers are also reportedly possible trade suitors for Sutton. Dallas is trying to maximize the remaining years of quarterback Dak Prescott’s career and has already added George Pickens via trade to pair with CeeDee Lamb. The team may look to replace Jalen Tolbert, who’s in the final year of his contract, with a more experienced option like Sutton.
Meanwhile, the Chargers are still rebuilding their receiving corps. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey has shown promise and 2025 rookie Tre Harris is gaining attention, but with Mike Williams aging and Quentin Johnston struggling, the team lacks a reliable long-term WR1. Sutton’s addition could stabilize that group.
In the grander picture, whether the Jets choose to trade Breece Hall or not will depend entirely on their record and trajectory come midseason. As of now, Hall remains a focal point of the Jets’ offense. But his contract status, past production, and value on the trade market make him a name that could quickly re-enter league-wide conversations should New York’s season fall short of expectations.