The New York Jets and star running back Breece Hall agree to terms on a 3-year deal worth up to $45.7 million, making him the third-highest paid running back in the league.
Hall, who was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jets out of Iowa State University, has been a bell cow for the Jets as he’s made himself known to be one of the elite running backs in the NFL. Before tearing his ACL, he was the clear frontrunner for offensive rookie of the year as he rushed for 463 rushing yards with 4 rushing touchdowns, catching 19 receptions for 218 rushing yards with one reception touchdown.
In the 2023 season, coming off his ACL injury, he played in all 17 games, establishing himself as an elite offensive anchor falling just six yards shy of 1,000 rushing yards, while catching 76 receptions for 591 receiving yards. The 2024 season was a lost season for the Jets as they failed expectations on a multitude of levels. Hall lost efficiency as the Jets offense struggled to put it together, along with the offensive line playing mediocre. In 2025, Hall put himself back on the list of elite running backs as finally cracked 1,000 rushing yards and finished 7th among all qualified NFL backs with an 83.5 overall grade.
In the beginning of the offseason, one of the many questions surrounding the Jets was the status of Breece Hall and where they stood. Hall finished out his rookie deal, making him eligible for free agency for the first time in his career. Had he entered free agency, Hall would immediately be the hot name in the free agent pool as teams would’ve lined up to sign him as their star running back. The Jets of course, wanted to retain Hall, but extension talks were on-going, leaving the franchise tag the likely option.
On March 3rd, the Jets placed the non-exclusive franchise-tag on Hall which would’ve paid him $14.3 million, had he gone into the season without an extension. Hall was the first Jets player to be placed with the franchise tag since 2021, when the Jets tagged safety Marcus Maye. With the non-exclusive tag, players are able to negotiate with other teams and sign an offer sheet, giving the Jets the ability to match. Had a team offered Hall a deal and the Jets would decide to not match, the Jets would be awarded two-first round picks in return.
After placing the franchise tag on Hall since the Jets couldn’t work out an extension with him, contract negotiations were put on pause as the Jets made it clear that they wanted to focus on the draft and then open up negotiations. Now that the Jets finished rebuilding the team through free agency and the draft, negotiations officially resumed after being on hold, with both sides looking to put together a deal before the July 15th deadline. As a result, the Jets and Hall finally came to an agreement on an extension that is 3-years worth $45.7 million. The only two running backs that are ahead of Hall in terms of average annual salaries are Saquon Barkley ($20.6 Million) and Christian McCaffrey ($19 million).
What to Expect Under OC Frank Reich
Under Tanner Engstrand, the Jets offense ran under a run-heavy approach to protect an offense that struggled mightily in the passing game. The offense struggled to stay consistent with who was under center as Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook all took snaps under center for the Jets in 2025. It was hard for Engstrand to maneuver the offense that lacked talent outside of Breece, especially with the passing game being non-existent.
The coaching staff sought to avoid the 2024 issues where Hall’s potential was underutilized, focusing on creating open space. Hall was used as a three-down back, being utilized between-the-tackle runs, outside carries, and as a threat in the passing game.
The Jets offense will look different this year after Frank Reich was hired on February 4th as the team’s new offensive coordinator. Under Reich, the Jets offense is expected to be more balanced, featuring a dynamic attack focused on exploiting matchups. Hall should benefit in Reich’s system because Reich plans to build off the Jets’ previous success in the running game while improving situational football. His dual-threat ability will not go to waste, as Hall will also be utilized in the passing game. Hopefully, the offense will show more consistency with Geno Smith under center and an improved offensive line, creating more space and scoring opportunities.
