In the world of the NFL, trades and signings often unfold in the public eye, with the drama of free agency and the draft keeping fans on the edge of their seats. But behind the scenes, there are whisperings, negotiations, and sometimes, even schemes that may seem almost too audacious to believe. For Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, his ambition knows no bounds, and his latest plan could rock the NFL to its core.
The target? New York Jets’ star running back Breece Hall. The plan? A calculated, dark scheme to acquire the explosive young talent and bring him to the Cowboys, solidifying the team’s offensive future in a move that would send shockwaves across the NFL. The Jets, with their promising future led by Hall, would be blindsided by a deal so bold, it could only come from Jerry Jones himself. But would such a heist be successful, or would the Cowboys’ ambitious owner ultimately bite off more than he could chew?
The Rise of Breece Hall
Before delving into the mechanics of Jones’ alleged scheme, it’s important to understand just how significant Breece Hall has become within the NFL. Hall, drafted by the Jets in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact on the league. His combination of speed, agility, and vision made him a top running back, and by Week 7 of his rookie season, he was already on pace for a historic year.
Hall’s rise was stunted by a torn ACL, which forced him to miss the remainder of the 2022 season. But even with that injury, Hall’s potential was undeniable. He had racked up 463 yards and four touchdowns in just seven games, showcasing his ability to change a game in the blink of an eye. His agility and field vision, paired with his size and strength, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Jets were looking to build around Hall as their franchise running back, hoping he would return to form after his injury and help lead them into a new era of success. With Hall, quarterback Zach Wilson (now traded), and other young talent on the roster, the future was bright for the Jets. But of course, as with any promising young player, Hall was also a highly coveted asset.
The Cowboys’ Dilemma: The Search for an Elite Running Back
The Dallas Cowboys have a long and storied history of dominating the NFL, and under Jerry Jones, they have often been one of the most successful and active teams in the league. However, while the Cowboys have had some success in recent years, one area where they have struggled is in consistently having an elite running back. Ezekiel Elliott, once a force to be reckoned with, has seen his performance wane in recent years. Despite his reputation as one of the NFL’s best backs in his prime, Elliott has been plagued by injuries, diminishing production, and, most notably, a declining sense of explosiveness.
While the Cowboys have had other running backs in the mix, none have been able to step up in a way that matches the standard set by the team in its heyday, when it was known for ground-and-pound football and dominating the trenches. This created a void in the Dallas offense, with quarterback Dak Prescott relying too heavily on his passing game and sometimes forcing the ball into situations that didn’t always work out.
In the 2023 season, the Cowboys attempted to address this need with Tony Pollard, who had shown flashes of brilliance as a backup to Elliott. Pollard had a standout season, with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and nearly 10 touchdowns. But while Pollard’s skills were undeniable, the Cowboys were still in search of that next-level talent — a back who could transform their offense into a truly unstoppable unit.
Enter Breece Hall: The Perfect Fit for the Cowboys
Breece Hall, with his combination of speed, power, and elusiveness, was everything the Cowboys were looking for. His ability to break off long runs, his knack for finding the end zone, and his vision as a ball carrier made him a perfect fit for an offense like Dallas’. If Jones could somehow convince the Jets to part with their prized asset, the Cowboys would have an offensive juggernaut at their disposal.
But how could Jerry Jones orchestrate such a trade? The Jets weren’t just going to give up Hall, not after everything he had shown them in his rookie year. And with the Jets sitting on a promising future, any attempt to get Hall out of New York would require an audacious and devious plan.
The Scheme: Jerry Jones’ Master Plan
Jerry Jones is not known for shying away from bold moves, and the rumors swirling around the NFL suggested he was working on something much more underhanded than the usual trade talks. While the official narrative had the Cowboys focusing on draft picks and free-agent signings, there were whispers of a darker, more complex plot unfolding in the background.
The first step in Jones’ scheme was to exploit the Jets’ current instability. After an injury-riddled 2022 campaign, the Jets were looking to make some serious roster adjustments. Their quarterback situation remained unsettled, and they were forced to rework their offense around Hall’s replacement, Michael Carter. Meanwhile, with a new head coach and a shift in strategy, the Jets were potentially open to moving players to balance out their roster.
Jones, always looking for an opportunity to strike, was reportedly quietly building relationships with key figures in the Jets’ front office, keeping tabs on any signs of discontent with Hall or his contract situation. By offering the Jets what they needed — cap relief, draft picks, and some established talent — Jones could convince them that trading Hall was the right move for their long-term future.
The Offer: How Jones Could Secure the Deal
At the heart of Jones’ pitch was a combination of draft picks and talented players that would appeal to the Jets’ future outlook. The Cowboys’ 2024 first-round pick, along with a selection in the second round, would certainly be enticing. But Jones wasn’t stopping there.
Rumors circulated that Jones had also been offering to send a talented but underused player from the Cowboys’ roster, perhaps a receiver or a defensive back, in exchange for Hall. This would allow the Jets to maintain a competitive edge while also gaining assets for the future.
But it wasn’t just the draft picks that would make the deal intriguing. Jones had reportedly engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with Hall’s camp, promising him a lucrative contract extension as soon as he arrived in Dallas. With a new, long-term deal, Hall would be positioned to become the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense, potentially receiving more carries than he would have in New York, especially given the Jets’ crowded backfield.
Jones also sought to create an environment where Hall would feel more valued in Dallas, positioning him as the face of the franchise’s offense alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. This strategy wasn’t just about football; it was about creating a narrative that Hall could buy into, a storyline that would convince him to leave New York for the bright lights of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Risks: What Could Go Wrong?
Of course, any great scheme comes with risks, and Jerry Jones’ plan to acquire Breece Hall was no exception. The biggest risk was the Jets’ refusal to even entertain the idea of trading Hall. Given the importance of Hall to their future, it’s likely that the Jets would resist any overtures, especially from a division rival like the Cowboys.
Another risk came in the form of the NFL’s competitive balance rules, which could put restrictions on any trade that might involve acquiring a player of Hall’s caliber in exchange for such a large package. Furthermore, if Jones were to push too hard, he risked alienating the Jets’ front office and creating an ongoing rivalry that could hurt the Cowboys in the long term.
There was also the matter of the fans. The Cowboys’ faithful, many of whom were already upset with the departure of key players over the years, might view the acquisition of Hall as yet another attempt to buy success at any cost. Some may even feel that the Cowboys were trying to cheat the system by poaching a top player from a team they had no legitimate business negotiating with.