Breece Hall’s humble comments shows why Jets can’t trade him yet

It's been a rollercoaster of an offseason for Breece Hall. The New York Jets running back found himself the subject of persistent trade rumors in the weeks leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, and while no deal was ever reached, reports suggest the Jets did at least have exploratory conversations with other teams.

The Jets haven't exactly been shopping Hall, but they've listened to trade offers as the former Iowa State star enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. All the while, fellow running backs from his same draft class have been receiving hefty new extensions.

Both Los Angeles Rams star Kyren Williams and Buffalo Bills standout James Cook signed contract extensions this week, each valued between $11 million and $12 million annually.

Hall, meanwhile, appears unlikely to land a new contract before the season. His future with the Jets is as uncertain as ever, but when asked about the Williams and Cook deals, he offered a measured, mature response.

"They’ve done more than me. They’ve been in better situations. I feel like I’m just as talented as anyone, but those two guys deserve their payday and got what they deserve."

Breece Hall

The Jets shouldn't entertain Breece Hall trade talks...yet

Hall is correct with everything he said in that response. Williams and Cook have both been placed in more favorable situations, as part of high-powered offenses with stable, highly-touted coaching staffs.

But he's also right in saying that both players have accomplished more than he has. Both Williams and Cook are coming off consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, while Hall still (technically) hasn't managed one.

More importantly, while Hall was one of the best running backs in football in 2023, his performance a year later left a lot to be desired. Hall averaged just 4.2 yards per carry and finished with a 0.02 rushing yards over expected per carry. Essentially, he was a league-average runner in 2024.

The bigger concern, however, was his ball security. Hall fumbled six times last season — double his total from his first two years combined — and also led the team with nine drops. If he were to repeat that performance again this year, it's hard to imagine any team would be lining up to pay him big money.

That said, the upside with Hall is worth taking a chance on. The Jets have seen Hall be one of the best running backs in the NFL. He finished fourth in total scrimmage yards in 2023 behind only Tyreek Hill, Christian McCaffrey, and CeeDee Lamb.

The running back position is volatile by nature, but at his best, Hall has been one of the league's most dynamic offensive playmakers. The Jets believe they can still tap into the potential he showed just two years ago.

If Hall stumbles out of the gate or Braelon Allen and/or Isaiah Davis shine, the Jets could absolutely revisit a trade as the deadline nears. For now, there’s no reason to cut bait before the season even begins.

Hall’s response shows he’s entering 2025 with the right mindset. He's aware that his payday will be earned on the field, not in interviews. Now it’s on him to turn that self-awareness into the kind of season that makes the Jets — or another team — open the checkbook.

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