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Beginning Tuesday, NFL teams have the opportunity to use the franchise tag to retain players they’d rather not lose to free agency. The window to apply this tag closes on March 3. During this period, the Jets must decide whether to place the tag on running back Breece Hall.
This presents an intriguing challenge for general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn. Hall has just completed his most successful season, demonstrating his durability and, at just 24 years old, he remains a highly desirable player. If he enters the open market, he is likely to attract substantial offers for his talent.
In 2026, the franchise tag for running backs is anticipated to cost $14.5 million. Should the Jets tag Hall, that sum would be guaranteed and would fully impact this year’s salary cap. Fortunately, the Jets are in good financial health with an estimated $78.9 million in cap space, the fourth-highest in the league, according to Spotrac. Nevertheless, $14.5 million is a significant investment for a running back.
In 2025, Hall achieved the milestone of rushing over 1,000 yards for the first time in his four-year career, amassing career highs with 243 attempts and 1,065 yards. Additionally, he recorded 36 receptions for 350 yards, despite missing the season finale. Over the past three seasons, Hall has played in 17, 16, and 16 games, respectively.
“Breece is a great player,” Mougey commented following the season. “I want to retain as many talented players as possible. We’ll navigate this process and see how free agency develops, but our goal is to bring in top-quality players.”
The Jets could apply the tag on Hall and then seek to negotiate a long-term contract with him, which would be beneficial to him and the team — as long as both sides are on the same wavelength as far as his worth.
“I won’t get into hypotheticals and contracts, or anything like that, but we’ll exhaust all the different options and see where that ends up,” Mougey said.
Another option is for the Jets to apply the transition tag to Hall. That would lower his cost to an estimated $11.7 million and give the Jets the ability to match any offer Hall receives in free agency.
There could be plenty of capable running backs hitting the market, led by Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. The Seahawks would not have defeated the Patriots without him.
“Ken has been awesome,” Seattle general manager John Schneider said. “He’s a free agent. We’d love to have him back.”
Other running backs who could be available include Travis Etienne, Javonte Williams, Rachaad White, Rico Dowdle and Kenneth Gainwell.