The New York Jets are heading into a pivotal offseason, and one of the biggest questions looming over Florham Park is what happens with Breece Hall. The dynamic running back, who’s been one of the few bright spots on an otherwise inconsistent offense, is set to hit free agency. Unless the Jets decide to use the franchise tag - which would cost them around $14.5 million in 2026 - Hall could be suiting up in a different uniform come next season.
Hall, the 36th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has already put together an impressive four-year résumé. He’s totaled 5,040 all-purpose yards and found the end zone 27 times, despite playing in just two fewer games than his draft class peer, Kenneth Walker III. But after enduring a string of losing seasons, it’s fair to wonder if Hall is looking for a fresh start elsewhere.
If the Jets can’t lock him down, they’ll need a plan - and fast. One name that’s been floated as a potential replacement? Kenneth Walker III.
Walker, who’s preparing to lead the Seahawks into the Super Bowl, was taken five picks after Hall in that same 2022 draft. And like Hall, he’s a dual-threat back with the ability to break off big runs and contribute in the passing game. Over four seasons, Walker has racked up over 4,506 scrimmage yards and 31 total touchdowns - slightly edging Hall in scoring production.
What makes Walker such an intriguing option is his physical running style. He’s a tackle-breaking machine with a knack for turning routine plays into chunk gains. He’s expected to be one of the most sought-after backs on the market this March, right alongside Hall.
Now, let’s talk numbers. According to projections, Hall could command a four-year, $41.5 million deal in free agency.
Walker, meanwhile, is projected slightly lower at four years, $33.5 million. Given how closely their production lines up, that gap might narrow once teams start bidding.
But here’s the wrinkle: Seattle might not let Walker walk.
With Zach Charbonnet sidelined after tearing his ACL in the divisional round, the Seahawks could opt to keep Walker in-house - possibly via the franchise tag. That would take one of the top backs off the board before free agency even begins.
So where would that leave the Jets?
If Walker’s off the table and Hall heads elsewhere, New York may have to pivot to other available backs like Travis Etienne or Javonte Williams. Both have shown flashes of being lead backs and could step into a significant role in the Jets’ offense. Or, if general manager Darren Mougey doesn’t love the market, he could decide to use a portion of the Jets’ projected $83.5 million in cap space to tag Hall and keep him in green and white for at least one more season.
The bottom line: the Jets can’t afford to miss on this decision. Whether it’s re-signing Hall, making a move for Walker, or finding another backfield solution, this offseason will be a defining one for a team trying to turn the corner.