The New York Jets conducted a fire sale ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, yet one name unexpectedly stayed put.
Currently on the final year of his rookie contract, running back Breece Hall remained with the team. Many believed Hall was far more likely to be moved than All-Pros Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams.
Why didn’t the Jets move him?
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday afternoon, general manager Darren Mougey was asked why the Jets decided to keep their star rusher.
“I understand the question, but like I said, through these processes, we talk about a lot of things. We field a lot of calls, and we have values. Breece is a talented player, and he’s going to help us compete and win games the rest of the season,” said Mougey.
Hall’s name has been linked to trade rumors since the offseason, with multiple teams reportedly inquiring about his availability.
During Tuesday’s frenzy, a rumor claimed that the Kansas City Chiefs offered a fourth-round pick for Hall, only for the Jets to deny it as they demanded a third-round pick; we’ve heard rumblings that this isn’t true.
Hall has quietly put together one of the most efficient seasons of any back in football this year. He’s averaging 5.0 yards per carry, good for top-10 in the league, and he leads all running backs with 13 explosive runs (15+ yards).
Nearly half of Hall’s rushing yards (45.1%) have come on those explosive runs, a league-best mark that shows just how dangerous he’s been when he finds an open lane. Thanks to stellar offensive line play this year, those open lanes have been a common sight.
Through all the trade noise, Hall has stayed locked in, and now, he’ll spend the rest of the season proving why he deserves a long-term extension in New York.
