Top teams to watch ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca break down which teams to keep an eye out for ahead of the November 4th NFL trade deadline.
The New York Jets running back might be running out of town.
Breece Hall has been a key cog in the team’s offense since his arrival as a second round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but the Jets’ continued futility could have him donning a new jersey sometime soon. New York notched their first win of the season in Week 8 and now head into their bye week.
The NFL trade deadline will be less than 48 hours away when they return. With Hall set to be a free agent after the season, there has been no indication of the Jets’ willingness to extend their homegrown star.
Hall has looked defeated for most of the season and his answers at press conferences appear to back that up. Now he’s a name to watch ahead of the deadline, according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo.
Here are some fits for Hall that make sense if he ends up swapping jerseys before the deadline.
Breece Hall landing spots
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are getting stronger as the season rolls along and most of that is likely due to their improved health. The need for a running back still remains in Kansas City though.
Isiah Pacheco has 271 rushing yards this season, which is only 21 more than Patrick Mahomes. Hall would give the Chiefs’ backfield a major boost, profiling as a runner and receiver. Considering the talent they already have on offense, it would easily help unlock the former Iowa State star in a way that he hasn’t been during his NFL career.
Los Angeles Chargers
Hall to the Chiefs would be a nightmare for opposing defenses, but also for the Chargers. They are trying to stay afloat as injuries mount, while also hoping to hold off he surging Chiefs and Broncos. The AFC West is an arms race at this point and Los Angeles can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.
Najee Harris is out for the season and Omarion Hampton is on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The rookie has been solid, but depth is being tested for Jim Harbaugh’s team. Hall provides insurance if Hampton isn’t the same player upon his return, while also deepening the talent pool for this Chargers team.
Chicago Bears
It’s hard to say whether Ben Johnson’s first season in Chicago has gone according to plan or not. Caleb Williams has flashed, but struggled to stay consistent and truly take that next step. The Bears have still found ways to win, but the makeover in the Windy City is far from complete.
Johnson is known for his running back usage, which the Bears’ roster has in short supply. While Jahmyr Gibbs unlocked the Lions offense, it could be Hall that could do the same in Chicago. They could opt to address this position in the draft, but acquiring Hall wouldn’t be pricey. More importantly, there is no commitment beyond this season if things don’t work out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where in the world is Bucky Irving? The running back has missed the last four games, with the hope that he will return after the bye. Hope is not a strategy, however, and injuries have decimated Tampa’s offense. The belief is that Mike Evans could be back for a playoff run, while Chris Godwin’s status remains a mystery.
Baker Mayfield is a good quarterback, but he’s not a miracle worker. At some point, there are just too many injuries to overcome. And there’s nothing in the rulebook that says Irving can’t coexist with Hall. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard has done a masterful job of navigating those issues for Tampa. Perhaps integrating someone like Hall could be his next challenge.
Washington Commanders
Washington made it clear over the offseason that Brian Robinson Jr. wasn’t a fit for the team going forward. The issue is, the team didn’t truly find a replacement. Bill Croskey-Merritt has emerged, but is it enough for a group that was eyeing a Super Bowl this season? Probably not.
Injuries are also a theme for the Commanders, but they had no issues going all-in over the offseason. While they have fallen short of expectations, all hope is not lost yet. Trading for a running back of Hall’s caliber might be the piece that unlocks it all.
