The Dallas Cowboys have retooled their backfield for 2025, but could a bold move for New York Jets star Breece Hall elevate them into Championship territory?
With a running backs room consisting of Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, rookie Jaydon Blue, rookie Phil Mafeh, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke, the room is deep but lacks a clear elite workhorse.
Acquiring Hall could give the Cowboys a dynamic, every-down back who fits the offensive vision of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams.
Breece Hall: A Proven Difference-Maker
Breece Hall posted a solid 2024 season with the Jets:
- 209 carries, 876 yards (4.2 YPC), and five rushing TDs
- 57 receptions, 483 receiving yards, three TDs
- 26 Explosive (10+) Runs
Though slightly down from his 2023 production (1,585 total yards), Hall remained an all-purpose threat.
He’s averaged 4.6 yards per carry over his career and adds real value as a receiver, averaging over 32 receiving yards per game the past two seasons.
At 5’11” and 217 lbs, Hall is a slashing zone-runner with enough burst to break big plays and enough size to grind out tough yardage.
His acceleration and vision make him ideal for outside zone and stretch runs, concepts Klayton Adams is bringing from his success in Indianapolis and Arizona.
Trade Compensation: What It Would Take
If the Jets decide to move Hall, a deal could look like:
- Conditional 2026 4th-round pick (escalating to a 3rd if Hall hits 1,200 total yards)
- Possibly a young player in a logjam position
This would give the Jets future flexibility and the Cowboys a legitimate RB1 to complement their evolving offense.
How Breece Hall Fits the Cowboys’ Offensive Identity
Schottenheimer + Adams: A Balanced, Dynamic Approach
Brian Schottenheimer favors a play-action-heavy, run-to-pass balance, while Klayton Adams’ system emphasizes wide zone running, motion, and explosive second-level runs. Hall is a natural fit.
- Vision and Patience: Hall waits for blocks to develop, ideal in Adams’ zone-stretch concepts.
- Versatility: His route tree includes screens, swings, Texas routes, and angle patterns, perfect for keeping defenses honest.
- Durability: While Hall tore his ACL in 2022, he has played in 30 of 34 games since.
Pairing Hall with Javonte Williams would give Dallas a thunder-lighting tandem, allowing Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafeh to develop without heavy pressure.
Projected Impact On Offense
- Third-Down Consistency: Hall brings elite pass-catching and blitz pickup skills, making him a true three-down back, something Dallas hasn’t had since peak Ezekiel Elliott.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Dallas struggled inside the 20-yard line in 2024. That can be seen by their 46% red zone efficiency, just ahead of the New York Giants.
- Play-Action Success: Will Hall drawing safeties into the box, expect more explosive opportunities for CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson.
- Backfield Clarity: Rather than relying on a rotation, Hall can command 60-65% of touches, while Williams takes on power runs and Sanders/Blue operate as rotational backs or injury insurance.
Why Dallas Should Make the Move
The Cowboys’ 2024 run game ranked 30th in the NFL in yards per carry (4.0) and the bottom third in explosive runs (runs of 25+ yards).
Despite a strong offensive line late in the season, there was no home-run hitter or tackle-breaker to flip field position.
Hall solves that problem.
With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb secured for the future, the offense is in win-now mode. Hall adds another weapon for a system that thrives on balance, tempo, and unpredictability.
Risks to Consider With Breece Hall
- Injury history: Hall’s 2022 ACL tear looms, but his workload post-recovery suggests he’s returned to form.
- Contract extension: He enters the final year of his rookie deal; Dallas would likely need to extend him at $10-$12 million per year.
- Backfield logjam: Trading for Hall likely means parting with one of the bottom of the depth chart running backs.
Final Verdict: High Reward Move
If the Cowboys want to push deep into the postseason, Breece Hall is a win-now upgrade who checks every box: scheme fit, play-making, and consistency. He transforms the backfield from “crowded and uncertain” to “dangerous and defined.”
In a division loaded with defensive fronts like the Eagles and Commanders, Dallas needs a difference-maker. Breece Hall could be just that.
