It wouldn’t be a true New York Jets offseason without some controversy. The latest controversy in East Rutherford pertains to running back Breece Hall. After ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that the Jets under new head coach Aaron Glenn could opt for a committee approach to the backfield – one led perhaps by Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty – Hall trade rumors have flown. In his three seasons with the Jets, Hall has started 34 of his 40 games, and has averaged over 4.6 yards per carry, tallying 2,333 career yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s also been a reliable threat out of the backfield, hauling in 1,292 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in the passing game. Hall is headed into the final season of his rookie deal, and with the idea of drafting Jeanty circling around, Hall could become redundant. On Tuesday, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay named the Chicago Bears as a potential suitor for Hall. Kay suggests the Jets could trade Hall for running back D’Andre Swift and the No. 72 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. “The Chicago Bears are turning over a new leaf this year. They jettisoned former head coach Matt Eberflus, brought in the coveted Ben Johnson to replace him and made a series of moves to open the offseason that should greatly bolster what has long been an underwhelming offense.” Wrote Kay. Kay insists the move makes sense for the Bears, who had a putrid run game last year. “The Bears shouldn’t rest on their laurels quite yet. They still need to improve a backfield that averaged only 102 yards per game on the ground last season.” Kay added. “Acquiring Hall would go a long way toward that goal. He would be a perfect fit in Johnson’s system, as he could open even more options for the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator to scheme in his first year at the helm.”
Kay continued to highlight Swift’s struggles in particular, citing his 3.8 yards per carry mark last year. “Getting a back of Hall’s caliber for a Day 2 pick while also dumping Swift-who could be far better utilized as a pass-catching depth option in New York-would be a perfect usage of that capital.” Kay concluded.