Jets Trade Deadline Scenarios After Starting 0-4

Jets Trade Scenario #1 – RB Breece Hall

Breece Hall has been a topic of trade rumors for almost the entire calendar year now. The fourth-year running back out of Iowa State has been a mixed bag since landing with the Jets in 2022. He has amassed 2,571 rushing yards on 564 attempts, resulting in a modest 4.6 yards per attempt, and 14 rushing touchdowns. He has shown great promise as a receiver as well, tacking on 165 catches for 1,400 yards and eight receiving touchdowns.

However, the Jets have yet to extend his contract, and he is now in a contract year. If the Jets don’t plan on extending him, instead rolling with Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, they could trade Hall. In a trade scenario, the Jets would most likely net an early Day 3 draft pick. Other teams that could use running back help include the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chicago Bears, and the Arizona Cardinals.

Jets Trade Scenario #2 – S Andre Cisco

The safety room for the Jets has been very underwhelming this year. Their starting duo consists of Tony Adams and Andre Cisco. Cisco has been the better of the two, so he may be able to be moved for a return. The Jets signed Andre Cisco in free agency this past offseason to a one-year, $8.5 million contract. He has tallied up 18 tackles (third on the team) and one pass break-up so far this season.

He would most likely only net a late Day 3 draft selection, but it is better than nothing. Moving on from Cisco gives the Jets the opportunity to start rookie safety Malachi Moore full-time. Aaron Glenn is very high on this player, so there’s no doubt this could be a motive to move on from one of the already-in-place starters. Teams that could use safety help include the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jets Trade Scenario #3 – LB Quincy Williams

This move would be the one that hits closest to the heart for Jets fans. Ever since former General Manager Joe Douglas claimed Quincy Williams off of waivers in 2021, he has been an excellent player for the Jets. As a Jet, he has amassed 369 tackles, 12 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. He was extended for his quality play before the 2023 season, but that extension will run out after this season. Williams took a three-year, $18 million contract then, and his value has only increased. The Jets just paid fellow linebacker Jamien Sherwood a three-year, $45 million contract, and it is believed Williams would want more.

If the Jets decide to trade him, he would most likely net a Day 2 pick, in my opinion. That would be a worthwhile return for an expiring contract, but an unfortunate loss for an already struggling defense. This is by far the least likely of the three trade scenarios presented, but a realistic one for the Jets nonetheless. Teams that could use linebacker help include the Carolina Panthers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Denver Broncos.

The Singular Buying Scenario

The Jets should be sellers, but there is one position I could see them buying at the deadline. The Jets have arguably the worst wide receiver room in the sport at the moment, outside of superstar wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The room includes veterans Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, and Tyler Johnson, as well as intriguing rookie Arian Smith.

There is no question that the Jets need an upgrade. They certainly wouldn’t be big game hunting, but the Jets could take a flyer on a young talent in a crowded room. This would be similar in nature to the trade for then-Browns defensive tackle Jowon Briggs from the preseason. Interesting names include Josh Downs or Adonai Mitchell from the Indianapolis Colts or Olamide Zaccheaus from the Chicago Bears.