With no timetable for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon’s return, the Houston Texans must begin to look at outside options for a running back.
Could one of those names be former Pro Bowler and Texans 2022 draft target Breece Hall?
And according to ESPN insider Dan Graziano, the Texans could be among the short list of teams that could target a move for a running back in the weeks ahead, including Hall from the winless New York Jets. While anything is possible, turning the season around in New York seems far-fetched, meaning all expiring contracts could be moved before the impending trade deadline later this month.
“Teams I expect to have interest in acquiring a running back ahead of the deadline include, but are not limited to, the Chiefs, Texans and Chargers,” Graziano wrote.
Graziano pinpointed Hall as the top option on the market for teams looking to target running back because of the Jets’ record and on an expiring contract with a chance to hit free agency, he could be a cheap option in terms of a return.
“He’s 24 years old and in the final year of his contract, and the Jets have made no move to sign him long term. Braelon Allen is out because of a knee injury, which complicates things for the Jets from a 2025 depth-chart perspective,” Graziano wrote. “But Allen is only 21 years old and under contract for two more years after this one. They also like Isaiah Davis, who is 23 and also signed through 2027. So there are plenty of reasons Hall might not be in the Jets’ long-range plans, and they could be open to a nice offer.”
A former second-round pick and fan favorite target for the Texans in mock drafts, Hall has totaled 88 carries for 410 yards. He’s also been averaging just over 4.7 yards per carry and just under 70 yards on the ground per contest.
While Houston has seen growth with Woody Marks as their new lead back, it also remains content with the carries for Nick Chubb. Hall would be an upgrade over both, but by how much? And given the status of the market, what would be the asking price to net a player on an expiring contract when the Texans already have two running backs who could hit free agency this offseason?
Texans general manager Nick Caserio said during his latest press conference that everything was on the table, including a move at the trade deadline. Caserio also said the Texans wouldn’t force a deal if it doesn’t make sense for both cost and production.
“[We] try to maintain as much flexibility as possible, so we’re in a decent spot,” Caserio said. “If there’s a situation out there that we feel makes some sense, and it works out, great. If it doesn’t, then, okay, we’re prepared to handle it with the players that we have here.”
The Texans return to the field for the first time after their bye week to take on the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Monday Night Football. The trade deadline is set for Nov. 4 ahead of Houston’s Week 10 showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Report: Texans interested in RB options, including Jets’ Breece Hall
