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Kansas City Chiefs Expected to Pull Off Shocking Trade with New York Jets to Acquire Unrestricted Free Agent in 2026

he Kansas City Chiefs, reigning AFC champions, are looking to bolster their offensive lineup following a 2024 season that fell short of expectations, particularly after their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. According to NFL media reports, the Chiefs are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets to acquire talented running back Breece Hall, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. If successful, this trade could significantly reshape the Chiefs’ offensive landscape and bring a fresh dynamic to the team under head coach Andy Reid.

Breece Hall – The Perfect Fit for the Chiefs

Breece Hall, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has showcased his potential with the New York Jets despite facing challenges from injuries and an inconsistent offensive line. In the 2024 season, Hall recorded 876 rushing yards at an average of 4.2 yards per carry, along with 483 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over 16 games. While he fell short of the 1,000-yard rushing mark, Hall remains one of the NFL’s top young running backs, thanks to his explosive playmaking, agile running style, and exceptional receiving skills out of the backfield.

Hall’s strength lies in his ability to be a “three-down back” – a running back capable of handling rushing, receiving, and pass protection duties. This makes him an ideal target for the Chiefs, who are in need of a dynamic playmaker to complement their offense, which heavily relies on the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes. With the NFL’s lowest explosive run rate of 4.7% in 2024, the Chiefs desperately need a running back like Hall to add versatility and firepower to their offensive scheme.

The New York Jets’ Situation and the Trade’s Rationale

For the New York Jets, the 2024 season was tumultuous, marked by significant changes in coaching and roster. After parting ways with Aaron Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh, the Jets appointed Aaron Glenn as head coach and brought in Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. The team has also shifted toward a “running back by committee” approach, featuring young talents Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. This strategy has left Breece Hall’s role in the offense uncertain, as he averaged just 12 carries per game in the past season.

Head coach Aaron Glenn has publicly expressed plans to utilize all three running backs evenly, fueling speculation that the Jets may be open to trading Hall, especially as he enters the final year of his contract and approaches unrestricted free agency in 2026. According to ESPN, the Jets could consider trading Hall for high draft picks, such as a top-5 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, to rebuild their roster around a young quarterback like Shedeur Sanders.

Hall himself appears open to the idea of leaving New York. A social media post featuring a “fingers crossed” emoji has sparked speculation that he is eager to join a championship-contending team like the Chiefs, where he could fully realize his potential.

Why the Chiefs Are an Ideal Destination

The Kansas City Chiefs currently roster running backs Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Carson Steele, but only Steele is under contract beyond 2025. Pacheco, while a powerful runner, has a history of injuries, and Hunt, now 30, is past his prime. Adding Hall would provide long-term stability and a multidimensional threat to the Chiefs’ backfield.

Head coach Andy Reid has a proven track record of turning running backs into offensive weapons, as seen with Jamaal Charles and Kareem Hunt in the past. With Hall, Reid could maximize his receiving and outside-running abilities, creating diverse play-calling options alongside Patrick Mahomes. Additionally, Hall has regional ties to Kansas City, having grown up in Omaha, Nebraska (a 2.5-hour drive from Kansas City) and played college football at Iowa State, not far from the Chiefs’ home stadium. This connection could ease his transition to the team.

According to Pro Football Network, the Chiefs could offer a third-round or fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to acquire Hall. This would be a reasonable price for a player with the potential to become a star in Andy Reid’s offensive system.

Impact of the Trade on Both Teams

If this trade materializes, the Chiefs would boast one of the NFL’s most formidable offenses, combining Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Breece Hall. Hall would not only alleviate pressure on Mahomes but also bring balance to an offense lacking explosive runs. This is critical as the Chiefs aim to reclaim the Super Bowl title in a highly competitive AFC.

For the Jets, trading Hall could yield valuable draft capital, aiding their rebuilding efforts under head coach Aaron Glenn and the new general manager. With Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis ready to take on larger roles, the Jets could confidently build a younger, more flexible backfield without committing to a costly long-term contract for Hall.

Conclusion

The potential trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets to bring Breece Hall to the reigning AFC champions is an intriguing storyline. With his proven talent and potential to thrive in Andy Reid’s system, Hall could be the key piece to help the Chiefs maintain their NFL dominance. Meanwhile, the Jets would gain assets to fuel their long-term rebuild. Regardless of the outcome, this is undoubtedly one of the most compelling narratives of the 2025 NFL offseason.