NY Jets and Broncos could cook up surprising Breece Hall trade

At the NFL Owners' meetings, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn may have inadvertently tipped his hand when it came to the team's plans at running back.

When asked about star runner Breece Hall and his role moving forward in the Jets' offense, Glenn deflected and changed the conversation to how the team had three physical runners who would all see the field in a perfect world.

It wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement for Hall. Glenn didn't declare him a focal point as the Jets' workhorse back, a role he flourished in two seasons ago, coming off injury, before a less-than-stellar 2024 campaign.

Hall, still only 23 years old (24 in May), is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has shown flashes of brilliance since being drafted in the second round in 2022 out of Iowa State.

However, his 2024 season was a letdown, marked by a slow start and a knee injury that lingered from a prior ACL tear, raising questions about his durability and explosiveness.

Despite finishing strong with a 4.6 yards per carry average over his final nine games, some analysts wonder if he's lost a step. After all, Hall's big-play ability in his first two seasons with the Jets wasn't there in 2024, with his longest run being only 42 yards.

Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, both 2024 draft picks, emerged as promising talents, giving the team viable and more affordable alternatives. This depth could make Hall expendable, especially if the Jets continue to prioritize cost control.

Hall’s 2025 base salary is $3.3 million due to a performance escalator, a significant jump from $1.5 million, but still affordable. However, he’s eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and a long-term deal could push his annual value closer to $10 million, based on market trends for top running backs.

Given these dynamics, a trade seems possible. It hinges on whether the Jets see Hall as a cornerstone player worth extending or a luxury. A trade becomes more plausible if they doubt his long-term health or prioritize draft capital.

The NY Jets and Broncos could make a Breece Hall trade reality

Several NFL teams would pick up the phone if Jets GM Darren Mougey called them to shop Hall's services. However, the one logical connection that makes sense is Mougey's last team, the Denver Broncos.

After all, the former assistant Broncos general manager strongly connects to Denver GM George Paton and has George's brother Rob as his right-hand man. On top of that is the connection that new Jets senior advisor Rick Spielman has with all the parties involved.

Furthermore, Denver and New York's head coaches, Sean Payton and Aaron Glenn, two of Bill Parcells' disciples, also strongly connect with Glenn cutting his chops as a coach working under Payton.

It's no secret that one of the Broncos' most significant needs coming off a successful playoff campaign is at running back. Denver head coach Sean Payton's public emphasis on adding a star running back this offseason strongly signals intent.

After the Broncos’ 2024 season, where their rushing attack averaged a middling 4.2 yards per carry and lacked a true game-changer, Payton has made it clear he wants a dynamic “Joker” type — someone who can dominate on the ground and through the air. Breece Hall fits this mold perfectly.

In 2024, he posted over 1,300 yards from scrimmage for the second straight year, with 4.6 yards per carry and 8.2 yards per reception, showcasing the versatility Payton covets.

His 17-game averages (992 rushing yards, 549 receiving yards, nine total touchdowns) scream star potential, even if he’s never cracked 1,000 rushing yards in a season due to injury and the Jets’ offensive struggles.

The Broncos’ roster situation amplifies the appeal. Javonte Williams, their lead back in 2024, signed with the Cowboys in free agency, leaving Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estimé, and Tyler Badie as the primary options — none of whom have proven they can carry the load as an RB1.

Despite their friendly connection, the Jets can't be expected to gift-wrap Hall to the Broncos. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers could also be leveraged as potential trade partners.

But because of Hall's injury and contractual status, the asking price may not be as high as Jets fans would want. A second-round pick might be the ask, but even a third-round pick, based on conversations with sources close to Denver, could be too rich of an ask.

The Jets will ultimately have to weigh the value of Hall for potentially just one more season in green and white, before perhaps netting a compensatory selection in 2027 when he walks in 2026 free agency, or getting out in front and making a deal now.

Nevertheless, reading the tea leaves and combining two and two in this equation is not challenging. Both the Jets and Broncos have a will and a way.

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