Crushing Injuries Ignite Growing Jets-Chargers Trade Speculation
The New York Jets are the worst team in football this year, and they don't seem to be showing any signs of improvement. In fact, it seems like the Jets have taken a few big steps backward over the last few weeks. At this point, the season seems like a lost cause.
With the Jets struggling like this, they could lean into a rebuild rather heavily, which might include swinging a few big trades. Players like Quincy Williams and Breece Hall make sense as trade candidates for the Jets. Even star edge rusher Jermaine Johnson has been emerging as a potential trade target for contending teams. But of all the trade chips, it's Hall who makes the most sense to be moved.
CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin recently suggested the injury-plagued Los Angeles Chargers could be the perfect landing spot in a deal for Hall. This idea seems to make sense for both sides, especially after Hall's recent cryptic social media post.
Chargers are the perfect fit in a trade for Jets RB Breece Hall
"Los Angeles just got a breakout performance from second-year reserve Kimani Vidal at running back, and rookie Omarion Hampton figures to retain a sizable role once he's back from injury," Benjamin wrote. "Still, the Chargers are committed to winning now under Jim Harbaugh. Why wouldn't Harbs consider bolstering the backfield for the stretch run after previously hoping Najee Harris would deepen the bench? Hall is just looking to prove his value ahead of 2026 free agency, and he's not likely to restore it taking carries for the offensively listless New York Jets."
The Chargers came into the season with Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris in their backfield, but both have suffered injuries. Harris is out for the season, and Hampton is currently on the injured reserve.
As a result, it would make a lot of sense for the Chargers to add Hall. This move would make even more sense if the Chargers were able to trade for Hall and re-sign him shortly after. That would leave Hall and Hampton as the future of the Chargers' backfield.
For the Jets, this deal makes a lot of sense. There's almost no chance New York re-signs the star after the season, so a trade would land the Jets the most value.
Dan Campbell reveals Lions rookie who has him most intrigued
The Detroit Lions are hoping this is the year they will finally break through and win their first Super Bowl in franchise history. The Lions of course are coached by Dan Campbell, but did lose a key piece this offseason in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who chose to take his talents to the Windy City to become the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.
The Lions have many talented veterans on their roster but also have an intriguing rookie class, and recently, Campbell took to the Green Light Podcast with Chris Long to break down which rookie has caught his attention the most heading into next season.
“I'm probably the most intrigued right now with (Tate) Ratledge,” said Campbell. “Knowing where our O-Line is. Losing (Kevin) Zeitler and certainly losing (Frank) Ragnow that was a big one. So we had to replenish and there’s going to be a lot put on this kid. So he’s the one right now that I’ve got my eyes on. I’ve got them on all of them, but I am, this kid I’m intrigued and we’re going to need him to really step up.”
Ratledge was drafted to the Lions out of the University of Georgia, where he won multiple national championships with the Bulldogs.
Is this the year for the Lions?
The Detroit Lions have made playoff runs in each of the last two seasons, making it all the way to the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and bowing out in the divisional round last year vs the upstart Washington Commanders.
Last year, Detroit was very injured by the time the playoffs rolled around, so the hope is that they will be able to stay more healthy this year and make another run at the Super Bowl with Jared Goff leading the charge behind an upgraded offensive line, thanks in part to the addition of Ratledge.
The Lions will kick off their 2025 season on the road in a divisional matchup against the rival Green Bay Packers on September 7 at 4:25 PM ET from Lambeau Field.
