As the New York Jets continue to figure out their offseason plans, the biggest question continues to be centered around running back Breece Ball. After keeping him at the trade deadline, there’s no reason to let him walk, right?
Despite Hall being one of the best and most popular players on the roster, Jets X-Factor contributor Nick Faria believes the Jets should seriously consider letting him leave in free agency.
“New York only has so much cap space to go around. They have many other needs on the roster outside of the running back position. While most fans would prefer to have Hall on the roster, the cost for the 1,000-yard rusher may be too rich for the Jets to take on with more pressing needs to address.
“In their current predicament, the Jets would be better served bolstering their pass-catching unit and offensive line while using cheaper options at running back going forward,” he wrote.
Hall has been electric when healthy, showing elite talent, receiving ability, and home-run paymaking ability. He’s also carried a heavy workload behind an offensive line that’s often been average at best and one of the worst quarterback situations out of any player in the NFL.
Running backs usually decline earlier than players at other positions, and second contracts at the position rarely age well. For a Jets team that still needs upgrades everywhere, I get why Faria is hesitant to give Hall the money he wants.
Faria’s belief also aligns with how many around the league continue to feel. Teams have shown they can get solid rushing attacks with committees, mid-round draft picks, and low-cost veterans. Spending heavily at running back, especially for a team not firmly in a championship window, doesn’t help.
That doesn’t mean moving on from Hall would be the wise decision, though. He’s one of the faces of the franchise and a fan favorite, and losing him would raise questions about why they didn’t trade him at the deadline. I don’t think it’s unfair to say that while the Jets made a mistake at the deadline, they don’t need to double down on that, but keeping him would truly make no sense if he walks.