The Chicago Bears have kept any intentions regarding their trade deadline plans out of the national spotlight. Nobody has mentioned them to this point. This either means they're not doing anything this year or they've kept their goals a closely guarded secret. One thing is clear. Injuries are mounting for them at several positions. Nobody would blame them for seeking help. Up until now, the discussions have centered on the defense, particularly edge rusher and cornerback. However, another position might get more action than people realize: running back. D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson are both injured, leaving their options limited. That is where Breece Hall comes in.
Despite the New York Jets continuing to be terrible, the 24-year-old is on pace for the best season of his career with 581 yards in eight games. With his contract expiring, many expect the Jets to trade him at the deadline. A new report revealed their price is a 3rd round pick. That seems high considering he'll be a free agent. Still, his potential value to an offense would be high, and extending a running back is far less expensive than edge rushers or cornerbacks. Sources indicate that the Bears have been monitoring the situation for weeks and are interested.
The Bears can make Breece Hall happen.
As our colleague, Mr. Hughes, points out above, losing a 3rd round pick for Hall isn't anything big. This organization has floundered in the 3rd round for years. Let's recap Ryan Poles' tenure.
- Velus Jones
- Zacch Pickens
- Kiran Amegadjie
The first two names are already off the team. The other is injury-prone and unlikely to receive any playing time whenever he returns. Rather than continuing to throw away those picks, why not flip them for proven players? Breece Hall is certainly one of them. The only issue would be his contract.
Right now, the going rate for a top 10 running back in the NFL is around $10 million per year. Chicago can cut D'Andre Swift this offseason with only $1.3 million in dead cap. That would remove the largest running back contract from the books, allowing them to allocate the funds to Hall. This deal can happen. Everything depends on whether the Bears are willing to pay the price in draft capital.
