Latest Jets trade deadline buzz shows Darren Mougey is playing hardball

The New York Jets entered the season in their first year of a rebuild. Even though general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn are in the first steps to mold the team in their image, Jets fans were expecting them to improve compared to previous years. Instead, they look worse by the week and sit in the basement of the NFL standings with an 0-7 record.

Considering the team's standing and how poor the on-field product is on a week-to-week basis, the expectation was that the team would trade away players, particularly those who are on expiring contracts. By doing so, the Jets would bring in much-needed draft capital.

According to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the Jets aren't easily parting with some of their players. In fact, one source told Jones that the Jets are being "stubborn" with their asking prices.

"You have to start in Gotham and the winless Jets, the NFL's only 0-7 team. The league has been eyeing Gang Green's assets, but the Jets haven't really entertained anything regarding their players just yet. One source said the team has been "stubborn" with their asking prices. Logical thinking says that has to change soon. All eyes are on running back Breece Hall and edge Jermaine Johnson there."

Jonathan Jones

Jets and GM Darren Mougey reportedly 'stubborn' with asking prices for players

The Jets want the most lucrative return package available for any of their players. Shocker. Breaking news. But as Jones says, the expectation is that Mougey's stance will change once the trade deadline approaches.

The Jets have two players who are obvious trade candidates that Jones mentions, and they are running back Breece Hall and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. Hall is set to be a free agent at the end of this season. Johnson, meanwhile, is under contract through the 2026 season after the team picked up his fifth-year option.

Hall will receive plenty of interest from playoff contenders looking to add a boost to their rushing attack. This season, Hall hasn't exactly been lighting up the scoreboard like he did two years ago. Granted, the offense is a disaster, especially with Justin Fields at quarterback. Not to mention, he is splitting time alongside Isaiah Davis.

Through seven games, Hall ran for 448 yards and zero touchdowns on 99 carries, and also caught 19-of-27 targets for 164 yards and zero touchdowns.

Johnson, meanwhile, has only played in four games this season due to an ankle injury. Last year, he played in just two games before suffering a torn Achilles. But in 2023, Johnson had a fantastic year, recording 55 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 7.5 sacks, and seven pass breakups in 17 games, which was enough for him to be elected to the Pro Bowl.

The hope would be that he can put up similar or better results when fully healthy. Considering that Johnson has one more year left on his contract, the Jets could get a better return. This season, Johnson recorded 15 combined tackles, two quarterback hits, one sack, and one pass breakup in four games.

The trade deadline is on Tuesday, Nov. 4, so there are about two weeks for Mougey to figure out what he can get for Hall and Johnson. Trades don't seem likely right away, as teams are being discouraged so far due to the Jets and Mougey's high asking prices.