Proposed Jets-Cardinals trade would be a tremendous L for Darren Mougey

The New York Jets once again find themselves in seller territory as they prepare for what will likely be their 10th consecutive season without a winning record. Despite Breece Hall looking much more at home in Tanner Engstrand's offense, he has once again found his way into the rumor mill.

The Jets shouldn't move the loquacious Hall unless someone pays way above market value for a player who appears to be back on track. That doesn't stop many of the trade market gurus out there from trying to create a scenario in which Darren Mougey would offload one of his best players without adequate compensation in return.

Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated projected that the Jets would trade Hall to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. The Cardinals need a new running back, but the Jets would be giving up Hall for nothing if this deal gets consummated.

This Jets-Cardinals Breece Hall trade would be bad for the Jets

The Cardinals, who currently employ two former Jets running backs in Michael Carter and Zonovan "Bam" Knight, may be in the market for an upgrade after losing both James Connor and Trey Benson due to injuries, but the Jets should resist any calls for Hall.

With Braelon Allen now in injured reserve and the Jets' entire philosophy built around being a power-running team, leaning into that mindset with Isaiah Davis as the No. 1 running back seems like a bit of a stretch. Hall has no runs longer than 23 yards this season, but his 4.6 yards per carry average is right on par with his career averages.

Using a second-round pick on Hall, watching him become one of the better running backs in the AFC despite his 2024 hiccups, and then trading him for a fourth-rounder is both a horrible allocation of resources and a move that would make this offense bordering on non-functional in 2025.

If the Jets want to sell some players for draft picks, getting rid of what few veterans are on this roster might be a more prudent way to approach things. Hall is playing so well that he might earn a second contract in New York, which makes him far too valuable to just give up on.

The Jets are going to be a bad team; that much is not in doubt. That doesn't mean they should completely sell everything that isn't tied down. The Jets are not going to be a better team in 2026 if they trade Hall for a Day 3 pick and start over at the running back position.

More NY Jets news and analysis: