In a shocking and league-altering move, the Chicago Bears have pulled off one of the most unexpected trades of the 2025 NFL offseason. Just 15 minutes ago, team officials confirmed that the Bears have finalized a blockbuster deal with the New York Jets to acquire none other than their franchise running back, Breece Hall. The deal, completed in the early afternoon hours on Sunday, instantly reshapes the offensive identity of both organizations and signals major philosophical shifts as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
For months, speculation swirled that the Jets might consider moving Hall amid internal changes and uncertainty at the quarterback position. Still, few believed it would ever happen—until now. Hall, the explosive third-year star from Iowa State, was seen as a foundational piece in New York’s offense. But with this move, it appears the Jets are tearing down with eyes on a longer-term rebuild, while the Bears are pushing their chips in on immediate contention.
Let’s break down the details of this monumental trade, what it means for each team, and how it impacts the entire landscape of the NFL.
Trade Details
According to league sources and official confirmation from both franchises, the terms of the trade are as follows:
Chicago Bears Receive:
- RB Breece Hall
- 2025 6th-round pick
New York Jets Receive:
- 2025 2nd-round pick
- 2026 conditional 3rd-round pick (can become a 2nd if Hall reaches 1,200+ rushing yards)
- RB Khalil Herbert
- WR Velus Jones Jr.
This is a hefty haul by any standard, and it showcases how much Chicago values the addition of a proven back like Hall. It’s also telling that the Jets demanded not only premium draft capital but also immediate roster replacements in Herbert and Jones Jr., both capable young playmakers in their own right.
Chicago’s Bold Offensive Vision
General Manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have been adamant this offseason about building around quarterback Caleb Williams, widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this month’s draft. With Justin Fields traded to the Raiders weeks ago and a complete shift in offensive philosophy underway, the Bears are clearly gearing up to give their next signal-caller every weapon imaginable.
Enter Breece Hall.
In Hall, the Bears are acquiring a dynamic offensive weapon with a rare combination of vision, acceleration, and toughness. In just two healthy seasons with the Jets, Hall racked up over 2,500 total yards and 19 touchdowns, despite playing behind inconsistent offensive lines and amid quarterback turmoil.
Pairing Hall with D.J. Moore, newly-signed WR Tee Higgins, TE Cole Kmet, and likely rookie quarterback Caleb Williams creates a tantalizing offensive core. It’s a group capable of challenging any defense in the league. And in an NFC North that features strong defensive units in Detroit and Green Bay, having a back like Hall who can break games open with one carry is an invaluable addition.
Chicago’s offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who came over from Seattle, has long favored zone-running concepts and screens for his backs—something Hall excels at. It’s expected that the Bears will utilize Hall not just as a traditional runner, but as a receiving threat from the backfield and even out wide.
The Jets’ Perspective: Rebuild or Reset?
At first glance, the Jets trading away a 23-year-old star running back seems baffling. But context reveals deeper motivations.
The Jets are in flux following a turbulent 2024 campaign. Aaron Rodgers’ comeback attempt ended with another injury, and the team cycled through multiple quarterbacks en route to a disappointing 7–10 finish. With Rodgers likely heading into retirement and Zach Wilson out of the picture, the Jets find themselves needing to reboot—again.
New GM Joe Hortiz, formerly of the Ravens front office, has already made waves with sweeping changes across the roster. Trading Hall appears to be another step in a broader rebuild. With multiple picks now stockpiled in 2025 and 2026, the Jets may be positioning themselves to trade up in the draft for a quarterback, or to take a longer-term approach to building a young, cost-controlled core.
In Herbert, they acquire a capable back with starting experience. Herbert rushed for 731 yards and five touchdowns in 2023 before a rotation-heavy 2024 season limited his opportunities. Velus Jones Jr. gives them a potential special teams weapon and gadget player on offense.
The real prize for the Jets, however, is the draft capital. A high second-rounder and a potentially upgraded third-rounder in 2026 are assets that could become critical in reshaping this franchise.
How This Affects the 2025 NFL Draft
The timing of this trade is crucial, coming just two weeks before the NFL Draft.
For the Bears, this deal may change their draft approach significantly. With the top pick, they are still expected to draft Caleb Williams. But with Hall now in the backfield, the urgency to add another offensive playmaker in Round 1—such as a running back or wide receiver—diminishes.
It also frees Chicago to focus on shoring up the offensive line or investing in a pass rusher with their other first-round pick (No. 9 overall).
For the Jets, the additional second-rounder gives them a total of four picks in the first three rounds, assuming no other trades. That’s critical ammunition if they want to move up the draft board or take multiple swings at skill-position players.
NFL Reactions Pour In
The NFL world reacted swiftly and passionately to the news. Fans, analysts, and former players took to social media to express their surprise—and excitement—over the deal.
Former Bears running back Matt Forte tweeted, “Man… Breece Hall to Chicago? That’s different. I like it. ⬇️”
NFL analyst Mina Kimes said on a live stream, “I didn’t see this one coming, but if Chicago is going to build the ideal offense for a rookie QB, this is how you do it. Hall is a stud.”
Meanwhile, Jets legend Curtis Martin appeared confused by the decision: “I understand rebuilds… but Breece was the kind of player you build around, not trade away.”
Breece Hall’s Reaction
Shortly after the trade was announced, Hall posted on Instagram:
“New chapter. Same dream. Thank you NY for believing in me. Can’t wait to get to work in Chicago. ⬇️”
Hall is expected to fly into Chicago tomorrow for his physical and will be introduced in a press conference early next week alongside Bears GM Ryan Poles.
The Bigger Picture
For the Bears, this trade is more than just a roster upgrade—it’s a message. A message that they’re done waiting. Done rebuilding. With the NFC wide open and a talented young core on both sides of the ball, Chicago sees 2025 as its window.
And make no mistake: this team just became one of the most intriguing squads in the league.
For the Jets, while fans may be reeling, the bigger picture might justify the move. If the picks turn into franchise-changing players, and if the Jets can find their next true quarterback, this could be remembered as the moment they turned things around. But that’s a big “if.”
What’s Next?
Breece Hall joins a Bears team that now boasts one of the league’s most balanced and explosive offenses—on paper. But paper doesn’t win games. The pressure will be on Hall to stay healthy and produce immediately. For a team that hasn’t made a deep playoff run since the Lovie Smith era, expectations are now sky-high.
The Jets, on the other hand, are firmly in the draft spotlight. Will they use their new picks to trade up? Will they draft a QB and start from scratch? Can Herbert carry the load in Hall’s absence? The coming weeks will bring answers.
But for now, the headlines belong to Chicago.
Final Word
Blockbuster trades are rare in the NFL. Mid-April, just ahead of the draft, they’re even rarer. But this deal—sending Breece Hall to the Chicago Bears—could end up being one of the defining moves of the 2025 NFL season.