The biggest surprise in this trade talk isn’t that the New York Giants want a star running back. The real shock is that a single second-round draft pick might be enough to make the New York Jets actually move their best back. Most fans assume a player of this talent requires a first-round selection to leave town. That assumption ignores the specific market value Connor Hughes identified for this deal.
The Giants Need Help Now
Since assuming the role, New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has clearly sought a big-time running back. Widely considered to be aggressively seeking Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor, the team is active ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline. If that deal falls through, the Giants might turn to the crosstown Jets for Hall. With limited draft capital available to trade, Harbaugh said this week that the Giants must consider both the short- and long-term. At 25 and signed through 2028, Hall fits that long-term need perfectly.
The Giants have a history of making bold moves when the price is right. The Tennessee Titans insisted they would not trade star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons until the Chicago Bears presented an offer they could not refuse. That precedent shows how quickly a “no-trade” stance can flip when the right package lands on the desk. The Giants know this history well. They are looking for a similar leverage point to get their offense moving again.
Why The Jets Say No
Although a market exists, the Jets have declared they have no current interest in trading Breece Hall. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn made his stance clear on Monday. “We’re in the business of keeping good players and he’s one of our better players. So, Breece will still be here,” said Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, according to Big Blue View. The Jets publicly said Hall is a cornerstone they will not trade.
However, the Jets have struggled to win games, which limits the value of keeping a player if the team cannot compete. In four full years, Hall has just one 1,000-yard season. Perhaps the Jets going 24-52 during Hall’s tenure explains that, at least in part. When you are always chasing, you can’t run the ball. From the viewpoint of an acquiring team, the positive aspect is that Hall has only 1,004 touches in the NFL and likely has substantial mileage remaining.
The Health Hurdle
One major factor that could kill this deal is the condition of Hall’s right leg. Hall has missed five weeks due to a right quad injury, though his return is anticipated this week. To ensure Hall can assist them immediately, the Giants would need to be certain of his readiness. A team cannot trade for a player who might sit out another month or two. This health risk makes the Giants hesitant to spend a high pick on a player who just returned from the injury list.
The Athletic lists Hall as its No. 7 potential trade candidate and the best potentially available back after Taylor. If the Giants decide the risk is too high, they will likely stick with their pursuit of Jonathan Taylor. If they decide to take the chance on Hall, they will need to offer a second-round pick to get the Jets to listen. The deadline on Nov. 10 is fast approaching. The Jets will have to decide if a second-round pick is enough to blow them away.
