If you're a team looking to upgrade your backfield this offseason, Breece Hall is a name you should already have circled in red ink. The New York Jets running back is poised to hit the open market, and with multiple teams in need of a spark in the run game, Hall could be one of the most coveted offensive free agents in the 2026 class.
Hall’s coming off a strong 2025 campaign - his best yet - racking up a career-high 1,065 rushing yards on 4.4 yards per carry, along with four touchdowns. He added another 350 yards and a touchdown through the air, showing off the kind of dual-threat ability that’s become increasingly valuable in today’s NFL. Simply put, Hall isn’t just a runner - he’s a playmaker.
And the timing might be right for a change of scenery. The Jets are in the middle of a rebuild and may not be looking to commit long-term money to a running back, no matter how talented. Meanwhile, Hall could benefit from a fresh start on a team ready to compete now - and there are a few that fit that bill perfectly.
Denver Broncos: A Two-Headed Monster in the Making?
Let’s start in Denver. The Broncos’ ground game struggled to find consistency last season, and while RJ Harvey showed flashes, pairing him with a proven back like Hall could give Sean Payton the one-two punch he’s been missing.
Payton’s offense thrives when it has balance - think back to his days in New Orleans with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Hall’s versatility as both a runner and receiver would give the Broncos a dynamic weapon to build around, and more importantly, take some pressure off whoever lines up under center in 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs: A Perfect Fit in Reid’s Scheme
Then there’s Kansas City. The Chiefs reportedly had interest in Hall at the trade deadline, and it’s easy to see why.
Andy Reid’s offense is tailor-made for a back with Hall’s skill set. He’s explosive in space, dangerous as a receiver, and smart enough to thrive in a system that demands versatility and vision.
Now, there’s a financial hurdle here - the Chiefs are in a tough cap spot, and Hall is projected to command a deal in the neighborhood of $41 million over four years. That’s a significant investment. But with Patrick Mahomes rehabbing from a torn ACL, adding a back like Hall could help ease the offensive burden and keep the Chiefs humming while their star quarterback works his way back to full strength.
Houston Texans: A Missing Piece in a Promising Offense
Houston, meanwhile, is a team on the rise that could use a reliable workhorse in the backfield. The Texans’ rushing attack fell flat in 2025, and it cost them - particularly in the postseason, where their inability to control the ground game was a key factor in their loss to New England.
With Joe Mixon’s status up in the air after missing the entire year with a foot injury, Hall would be a natural replacement. He’d bring immediate credibility to the run game and give young quarterback C.J.
Stroud a reliable outlet out of the backfield. For a team that’s already building something special, Hall could be the piece that helps push them over the top.
The Market Will Be Hot
Make no mistake - Hall won’t be short on suitors. He’s hitting free agency at the right time: still young, still explosive, and coming off a productive season. While the 2024 class of running backs (featuring names like Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley) was one of the strongest in recent memory, Hall leads a 2026 group that still offers real value for teams looking to upgrade.
Denver, Kansas City, and Houston all make sense as landing spots - and each offers something different. Whether it’s a chance to be the focal point of a rebuilding offense, a complementary piece in a championship-caliber system, or the final puzzle piece for an emerging contender, Hall’s next move will be one of the more intriguing storylines of the offseason.
Wherever he lands, one thing’s clear: Breece Hall still has plenty of juice, and the right team could be getting a game-changer.