With the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders are both considered possible landing spots for a running back who could land on the trade block.
The Commanders could use more help at the running back position after losing Austin Ekeler for the season to a torn Achilles.
The injury leaves the Commanders with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols, and Rodriguez is currently dealing with an injury.
Pittsburgh has a better situation with a solid duo of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, both of whom are backed up by rookie Kaleb Johnson, so their need certainly isn't as dire. But perhaps Pittsburgh would be interested in adding an upgrade to help their playoff push.
One player who could provide an upgrade for both Pittsburgh and Washington is New York Jets running back Breece Hall, who was recently pegged as a potential option for both teams by USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly if he hits the trade block.
Here's what Ostly said about Hall possibly landing in Pittsburgh:
The Steelers saw Hall average 5.6 yards per carry against them in Week 1. Pittsburgh had to rely on Kenneth Gainwell in Week 4 because starter Jaylen Warren was sidelined with injury. Neither are the type of dynamic back Hall can be at his best.
And here's Ostly's thoughts on a Jets-Commanders trade for Hall:
But the team is currently relying on Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt in the backfield and a slew of current or soon-to-be players in their 30s in Terry McLaurin (30), Deebo Samuel (30 on Jan. 16) and Zach Ertz (35). This offense needs another younger, dynamic player if they want to compete in the playoffs once again. That could be Hall.
When at his best, Hall is a dynamic player out of the backfield, both as a runner and pass-catcher, and he can score from anywhere on the field with the ball in his hands.
Despite a bad situation in New York, Hall has 501 scrimmage yards through five games, including 351 yards on the ground.
It still remains to be seen if the Jets will actually trade Hall, who expressed his desire to stay in New York. It's certainly possible, though.
Hall is in the final year of his contract and the Jets are in the midst of a rebuild. It wouldn't make much sense to spend significant money on a running back at this point and New York could lose him for nothing in free agency next year, so it makes sense to trade him now, especially with the Jets sitting at 0-5.
But the injury to Braelon Allen complicates things, as the Jets would be extremely thin at running back if they send Hall packing.
The Steelers could offer one of their veteran running backs to the Jets to help soften the blow, but Pittsburgh really likes Gainwell and Warren and it's hard to imagine the Steelers doing that, even though Hall would be an upgrade over both.
That said, if the opportunity presents itself, general manager Omar Khan should pull the trigger on a trade for Hall, who would add an explosive element to a Pittsburgh offense that currently lacks in that department.
The Commanders are much more likely to pull off a trade for Hall, though, as their need at running back is more prominent. Adding Hall would give the team's room some much-needed experience and would create a dynamic one-two punch with Croskey-Merritt, which will make Jayden Daniels' life easier.
More NFL News
- Jets' Breece Hall makes stance on trade rumors clear
- Miles Sanders injury update is huge news for Jaydon Blue
- Steelers insider offers bad news for Roman Wilson's role
- Ex-NFL GM kicks off Maxx Crosby trade speculation with proposal
- Kevin Stefanski announces Browns backup quarterback decision