The Chicago Bears were primarily focused on defense during the trade deadline. That was proven by their deal for Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and their explorations of Jermaine Johnson and Alontae Taylor, among others. However, it wasn't entirely exclusive to that side of the ball. Sources indicate GM Ryan Poles inquired about New York Jets running back Breece Hall leading up to the deadline. He was informed that the price tag was a 3rd round pick. Chicago felt that was too steep for somebody on an expiring contract and focused elsewhere.
It may sound puzzling that Hall was a target, given that D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai have played well for the Bears since the bye week. The simple reasoning is that Hall is a special talent. Despite playing a bad offense, he already has 667 yards rushing in nine games. Imagine what he could do in Ben Johnson's well-structured system. If the Bears decide to revisit the idea next spring when Hall becomes a free agent, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN revealed what the likely cost will be.
Hall was coveted at the trade deadline. That the Jets wanted a third-round pick in return for a running back reminds that Hall has top-end talent. And my sense is he will do just fine in free agency -- think Josh Jacobs' four-year, $48 million deal signed in March 2024 as a possibility. A few personnel evaluators thought that was a fair contract comp.
If the Bears want Breece Hall, they can get him.
Right now, their salary cap situation for 2026 isn't great. Projections have them around $3 million in space. However, Poles has plenty of ways to create more. The simplest is by cutting or trading Swift. If the Bears think Breece Hall would be an upgrade over the 27-year-old, his exit would create $7.5 million in cap space. That closes the gap on the $12 million per year Hall would demand. Don't forget the Bears can also backload the deal somewhat to ease his cap hit in that first year.
Much of this depends on what the Bears think of Swift. He has plenty of value in certain areas, particularly as a receiver out of the backfield. However, his limitations in power and vision have at times cost the team. Don't forget the Detroit Lions traded Swift in 2023 so they could acquire David Montgomery. The same could happen again.
