James Cook is the latest running back to receive a long-term extension, and his new deal could indirectly lead to a Breece Hall trade. Originally hoping for a deal averaging $15-20 million per year, Cook settled for a four-year contract worth $12 million per season. This came shortly after the Los Angeles Rams signed Kyren Williams to a similar extension, and now Hall is the next big-name running back due for a major payday.
Based on these two contracts, it’s clear that teams won’t break the bank for non-elite talents. Breece Hall has the raw talent to be a top back in this league, but he won’t reach that ceiling without a trade. First-year head coach Anthony Lynn wants to use a running back by committee, and this approach could literally cost Hall millions of dollars. In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay highlights this possibility and believes the running back could request a change of scenery.
“While there’s still time for Hall to put a stranglehold on the backfield and become the Jets’ featured back, it’s also possible the 24-year-old sees a drastic drop in snap share on the heels of a career-high 72 percent in 2024,” Kay writes. “A diminished workload, coupled with contractual unhappiness, could lead to Hall asking to be traded in the early weeks of the upcoming season.”
Jets Could Trade Breece Hall After James Cook Extension
Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
There was a time when Andy Reid’s starting running back was always one of the league’s most dangerous weapons. That hasn’t been the case since the original Kareem Hunt days, but that’s mostly due to a lack of talent in the backfield. First-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a bust, and while Isiah Pacheco is a fine player, he lacks the vision and three-down skillset to put up elite numbers. Breece Hall has that potential, and his above-average receiving ability makes him a great trade candidate as Kansas City focuses more on the short passing attack.
Houston Texans
Veteran running back Joe Mixon is nursing an ankle injury, Nick Chubb looked like a shell of himself with the Browns last year, Dameon Pierce never recaptured his rookie magic, and fourth-round pick Woody Marks hasn’t done much to impress in camp. This is one long way of saying the Houston Texans do not have a great option at running back as they enter the 2025 season. Mixon could return to health and hold down the fort for the upcoming campaign, but the aging veteran is not a long-term option at this stage in his career. The Texans could trade for Breece Hall and sign him to be their long-term starter alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have bigger needs than running back, but that might not stop them from upgrading the position. Alvin Kamara is still under contract, but the veteran is on the wrong side of 30 and shouldn’t endure another 250+ touch season. Whether it’s Spencer Rattler or rookie Tyler Shough, New Orleans must find a way to support their young quarterback. A Breece Hall trade could improve their run game and take some pressure off whichever passer wins the starting job.
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