Running back Breece Hall has been surrounded by trade rumors for months. Before the trade deadline, the New York Jets even reportedly received an offer from the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Hall has remained with the team despite the future looking uncertain for the RB. With New York sitting at 1-7 and already offloading several players, it’s clear the rebuild is underway. But while many wondered why the front office refused to move Hall, GM Darren Mougey has now revealed the reasoning behind not tearing it all down just yet.

“I wouldn’t call it a teardown, and I understand the question,” the Jets’ GM said while reiterating why Breece Hall is still crucial for the team. “But like I said, through these processes, we talk about a lot of things, and we field a lot of calls, and we’ve got values. Breece is a talented player, and he’s going to help us compete and win games the rest of the season.”

Yes, the running back has been impressive this season, logging 117 carries for 581 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Yet, the trade rumors haven’t stopped. The reason behind it is that Hall is in the final year of his contract and has yet to secure an extension contract. And the Jets continue to insist they’re not looking to move him, but when pressed on whether Hall is part of the team’s long-term plans, the GM stayed noncommittal. He seemed to dodge the question.

“I’m excited to see Breece play against the Cleveland Browns Sunday,” the GM said when asked about the team’s plans for the Jets. “And I’m excited he’s on our team.”

But it might not have been Hall’s talent alone that kept him on the Jets’ roster. His trade value may have played a part as well. Before the deadline, his expected return wasn’t as high as the team had hoped. The Jets wanted a third-round draft pick in exchange for him, but the head coach, Andy Reid, and the Chiefs only offered a fourth-round pick.

Since neither team was willing to change its offer, the trade didn’t happen. So, while he remains with the team for now, his future with the Jets is still unclear. As for the trade, the Jets made headlines for trading defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Why did the Jets trade two of their most crucial players

While it might not be a complete rebuild, the Jets’ latest two trades were clearly made with the future in mind. In return for their two players, New York received a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 second-rounder, two 2027 first-round picks, wide receiver AD Mitchell, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith from the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts.

Mitchell and Smith can make an immediate impact on the roster, while the draft capital ensures long-term stability for the team. It’s important, especially as the team might look to address its most pressing need at quarterback. When asked about the deals, the Jets’ general manager admitted it wasn’t easy to part ways with key players but said the offers were too valuable to turn down.

“It’s never easy moving on from any player, let alone guys like Sauce and Quinnen,” he said. “You’re set on what these values are, what they’re really worth and these players and what you might be willing to do to part ways with them. We got to today and had these offers that we just felt were too good for the team, and we made that with Sauce and Quinnen.”

It’s clear the Jets are building for the future, even as they try to stay motivated through a difficult 1–7 season.