New York Jets Set to Tag Breece Hall as Free Agency Approaches

The New York Jets are not letting Breece Hall reach the open market.

General manager Darren Mougey confirmed at the NFL Combine that the Jets will use the franchise or transition tag on Hall if a long-term extension is not completed before the deadline, according to ESPN.

That decision removes any immediate suspense.

The franchise tag would place Hall on a one-year contract tied to the average salary of the league’s top five running backs. Based on current projections, that number is expected to be around $14.5 million for the 2026 season. The transition tag will be $11.5 million.

"Ideally, we'd find a way to get a deal done and keep Breece around," Mougey told reporters at the combine. "I've said that for the past year since I got here. Breece is a good player, and we want to find a way to keep him around.

"We've been going through that process and are still doing so. We have a week to find out, if we can't get to an agreement, which way we'll go with the tag."

Hall remains the centerpiece of the Jets’ offense. When healthy, he has produced explosive plays as both a runner and receiver. His versatility allows the Jets to stay balanced regardless of the team's unstable QB situation.

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The running back market remains volatile. Teams hesitate to commit to heavy guarantees at the position. The franchise and transition tags give the Jets flexibility without forcing a rushed long-term decision.

It also prevents outside bidding.

New York is not pivoting at running back this offseason. The organization is protecting its most dynamic offensive weapon while evaluating long-term structure.

Hall has consistently ranked among league leaders in yards from scrimmage when available. His burst, vision, and pass-catching ability make him scheme-diverse and difficult to replace.

In 2025, Hall carried the ball 243 times for a career-high 1,065 yards (4.4 yards per carry) with four rushing touchdowns. He added 36 receptions in the passing game.

If the two sides finalize a multi-year extension, the Jets secure stability beyond 2026. If talks stall, Hall plays on the tag, and discussions resume next offseason.

Either way, the message from Indianapolis was clear. Breece Hall will not test free agency this spring.