Breece Hall, New York Jets
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Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium.
The New York Jets have their starting running back, Breece Hall, set to play on the franchise tag for the 2026 season.
Despite having the chance to negotiate a deal before the start of free agency, Hall and his representatives were unable to come to terms on an agreement with Jets brass, forcing the team to use the franchise tag, valued at roughly $14.3 million.
General manager Darren Mougey has since said that the team plans to revisit contract negotiations for Hall after the 2026 NFL Draft, but there’s no guarantee they’ll get closer in talks.
Could the Jets trade Hall and recoup some value instead of risking losing him next offseason?
Jets Trade Idea Ships Breece Hall to the Bears
In a trade proposal from Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea, the New York Jets would ship Hall to the Chicago Bears, getting back running back D’Andre Swift and a 2026 third-round pick for one of their few offensive stars.
“Trading Hall opens the door to get a proven, versatile back who can contribute immediately, while also gaining draft capital to address other needs—like the offensive line, skill positions, or defensive depth,” wrote Shea.
“Essentially, it’s about converting a high-upside asset into multiple pieces, giving the Jets more control over roster construction while still keeping a productive backfield.”
The Jets don’t have a third-round pick heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, thanks to the former general manager trading the pick for Haason Reddick, but does that mean they should get rid of Hall?
Probably not. Swift has been a productive runner over his six-year NFL career and is coming off a career year in Chicago, rushing for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns.
But the former Detroit Lions draft pick is entering the final year of his contract, and the Jets would just be entering the same situation they’re currently in with Hall in 2027.
If New York is going to enter contract negotiations with a running back, it should be with their 24-year-old home-grown talent. Not with a soon-to-be 28-year-old.
Hall may not have the longevity or eye-popping numbers of Swift, but he certainly has more upside.
Should the Bears Make the Trade?
While the deal doesn’t make as much sense for the New York Jets, it’s easier to see why the Chicago Bears would be interested in dealing for Hall.
“The Chicago Bears would make this move to land a true offensive centerpiece in Breece Hall—something their offense has been missing. Hall isn’t just a solid starter; he’s a home-run threat who can flip games with one touch, whether as a runner or receiver,” continued Shea.
“In a system led by Ben Johnson, that versatility becomes even more valuable. Johnson’s offenses are built on creativity, spacing, and getting playmakers into favorable matchups.”
While the Bears would have to give Hall a new contract as he walked through the door, he would only cost a few million more than Swift did, and they could surely handle that.
Chicago would maintain their two-headed threat, now featuring Hall and second-year running back Kyle Monangai, behind one of the fiercest offensive lines in football.
What’s a third-round pick to a team hoping to contend for a Super Bowl?