James Robinson trade grades: Jets find solid Breece Hall replacement, Jaguars

Breece Hall is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in the Jets‘ Week 7 win over the Broncos. One day later, New York found a notable replacement for its star running back, acquiring James Robinson from the Jaguars in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick, as confirmed by CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson. Robinson made a speedy return from his own serious injury to open 2022 in Jacksonville’s backfield, but Travis Etienne Jr. had emerged as the Jaguars’ lead ball-carrier in recent weeks.

The sixth-round pick acquired by the Jaguars can become a fifth-rounder depending on Robinson’s performance as New York’s presumptive RB1. Michael Carter was previously slated to take over as the Jets’ top back after Hall was carted off Sunday’s win and quickly ruled out. Now, Gang Green will have the 24-year-old Robinson not only for the remainder of 2022 but possibly beyond. As CBS Sports contributor Joel Corry notes, the Jets can eventually extend the veteran on a restricted free agent tender through 2023.

Robinson is two years removed from a 1,000-yard rushing campaign as a rookie. The former undrafted standout was off to a similarly productive start in 2021 before suffering a torn Achilles in Week 16. This year, splitting touches with Etienne, he wasn’t nearly as efficient, averaging less than four yards per carry in three different games, before taking zero carries in Week 6. Etienne, meanwhile, a 2021 first-round pick by Jacksonville, has emerged as one of the club’s top offensive play-makers as of late.

In New York, Hall quickly made a name for himself as one of this year’s top rookies, powering the Jets’ ground game with 463 rushing yards in seven games. Considering he faces a potentially long road to recovery following his ACL tear, it’s possible Robinson could also serve as the team’s starting ball-carrier, or at least split carries, to open 2023 as well.

Trade grades

Jaguars: B

No matter what, Etienne was going to become the focal point of their ground game, bringing dynamic ability as both a runner and receiver. So it makes sense that Jacksonville was ready to unload Robinson, who likely would’ve gotten an original-round restricted free agent tender in 2023, at best. A potential fifth-rounder is solid value for a veteran rental coming off injury at a replaceable position. The only reason this isn’t a slam-dunk victory is because Etienne has his own injury history, and Robinson could’ve remained a cost-controlled complement through 2023.

Jets: A-

New York is 5-2, threatening to make a surprise playoff run, and Robinson has proven he can be an every-down back. With Hall sidelined until — and potentially into 2023 — this is the perfect kind of low-risk, high-reward gamble for a contending team. What he lacks in explosiveness Robinson makes up for with toughness, making him a plug-and-play candidate for heavy workloads alongside Michael Carter. Worst-case scenario, he doesn’t pan out, and New York is out a single sixth-rounder. Best-case, he thrives and can return on a modest RFA deal to handle touches next year, too.

Fantasy take

How James Robinson…