When it comes to the New York Jets’ offseason priorities, all eyes are understandably on the quarterback situation. But right behind that - and arguably just as pivotal - is what the team decides to do at running back, specifically with Breece Hall.
Hall, the Jets’ 2022 second-round pick, is heading into unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career. And while his four years in New York have seen their fair share of ups and downs, there’s no denying his talent or his value - especially after the season he just put together.
A Franchise Tag Decision Looms
With Hall’s rookie contract set to expire, the Jets are staring at a tough decision. Letting him walk would leave a massive void in the backfield, but locking him into a long-term deal could be tricky given the team’s other roster needs. That’s why the franchise tag is very much in play.
Projected at around $14.5 million for running backs this offseason, the tag isn’t exactly cheap. But for a Jets team expected to have roughly $83.2 million in cap space before any cuts or restructures, it’s a manageable number - especially when you consider what Hall brings to the table.
Hall’s 2025 Campaign: A Quiet Star in a Struggling Offense
Despite the Jets’ offensive struggles in 2025 - and there were plenty - Hall quietly put together the best season of his career. He finally hit the 1,000-yard rushing mark, a milestone that had eluded him since his Iowa State days. He also added 36 receptions for 350 yards through the air, showing off the dual-threat ability that made him such a weapon coming out of college.
His touchdown total - just five - might not jump off the page, but context matters. The Jets’ offense as a whole had trouble finding the end zone, especially after Garrett Wilson went down with an injury. In many games, Hall was the lone spark, the only player consistently capable of moving the chains and generating offense.
Why Letting Hall Walk Isn’t a Real Option
If Hall does hit the open market, he’s expected to be one of the top names available at the position, alongside players like Kenneth Walker. And given his age, production, and versatility, there’s a real chance he could command a strong multi-year deal elsewhere.
But for the Jets, letting him go would create a major problem. Braelon Allen is coming off a serious knee injury, and while Isaiah Davis has shown flashes, he’s better suited as a change-of-pace option rather than a full-time starter. Simply put, Hall is the engine of this backfield - and replacing him wouldn’t be easy.
Using the franchise tag buys the Jets time. It allows them to keep their most dynamic offensive weapon in-house for another season while they patch other holes on the roster. It’s not a long-term fix, but it’s a smart short-term play.
Long-Term Deal Still on the Table
Of course, the tag isn’t the only route. The Jets could still work out a long-term extension with Hall before free agency opens. Projections have his market value in the ballpark of three years, $37 million - similar to deals signed by other top-tier backs like Kyren Williams and James Cook.
That’s a fair number for a player of Hall’s caliber, and it might be the best path forward if the Jets want to avoid a repeat of this same dilemma next offseason. But even if a long-term deal doesn’t come together right away, the franchise tag gives them a valuable fallback.
What’s Next?
The franchise tag window officially opens on February 17, and this situation is one to watch closely. Hall has made it clear - both in interviews and on social media - that he’s tired of losing. He wants to win, and he wants to be part of a team that’s building toward something real.
If the Jets can convince him that they’re heading in the right direction - and that he’s a key part of that vision - there’s a path to keeping him in green and white for the long haul. But if not, the tag might be the only way to keep him in the building while they figure out what comes next.
Either way, Breece Hall’s future is going to be one of the defining storylines of the Jets’ offseason. And how they handle it could say a lot about where this franchise is headed.