The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to a trade for a wide receiver quite often in the last few weeks due to their hot start and lack of skill in that area, but with the running back room once again looking like a question mark, Omar Khan may need to look for some more immediate upgrades at the trade deadline.
The combination of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell has not moved the needle in the way Khan thought they would, and rookie Kaleb Johnson has not been a very impactful part of this offense. To contend in the deep AFC, the Steelers need to find some way to give this running back room some more life.
With the New York Jets looking to sell off whatever isn't nailed down in the name of getting some picks back, running back Breece Hall has been at the front of everyone's mind. Running back may not be the biggest need for this team, but it could be the best way to make an immediate impact addition.
Sporting News joined in the chorus of those who are predicting the Steelers to trade for a skill position player, arguing that the impact Hall can bring to the backfield as a one-year rental exceeds what Warren, Gainwell, and Johnson are providing as a trio right now.
Pittsburgh Steelers projected to trade for Jets RB Breece Hall
Hall has not found the end zone this season, but he is averaging a robust 4.5 yards per carry despite running into some stacked boxes every single game due to Justin Fields' ineptitude under center. As a receiver, New York's limited passing game has been unable to get the most out of him.
Hall may not have had the best 2024 season, which coincidentally came with Rodgers as his quarterback, but the jump in quality that comes with Arthur Smith as opposed to Nathaniel Hackett and Todd Downing as the team's offensive masterminds should keep Breece performing at a high level.
If the Steelers remain unconvinced by Johnson's long-term potential, and they don't see enough in Gainwell to retain him for a second season in Pittsburgh, a team that has lacked truly explosive running play for years might be willing to consider a long-term contract for Hall if he assimilates well into this scheme.
If the Steelers aren't proactive in bringing Hall to town, they will assuredly see themselves beaten to the punch by another contender out there.