The New York Jets enter the offseason with their star running back, Breece Hall, set to hit free agency. While the team could place the franchise tag on Hall, there’s a chance they allow him to explore the open market.
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports recently predicted that the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets will swap running backs in the offseason. He expects Hall to leave New York, signing with Seattle, which would lead the Jets to acquire Kenneth Walker III.
“New York loses Hall but gets Walker, a tackle-breaking machine who will have ample suitors,” wrote Pereles.
If the Jets do indeed lose Hall, who is regarded as the best running back in free agency, Walker would be the second-best option, making him a solid replacement.
GettyRB Kenneth Walker III.
In-Depth Look at Kenneth Walker III
Walker is ranked as the No. 19 overall player and the second-best running back set to hit free agency, behind only Hall, according to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports.
“Kenneth Walker III is one of the NFL’s most elusive running backs. Walker’s 286 tackles avoided are the second-most in the league since he was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, trailing only Josh Jacobs’ 293 in the span of the former’s career,” wrote Podell.
The 25-year-old running back has had a great 2025-2026 season and has played a major role in the Seahawks’ success this year, as the team prepares to play in the Super Bowl.
In the 2025 regular season, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. In the postseason, he has nearly doubled his touchdown total, scoring four, according to ESPN.
Walker is seen as less of a threat than Hall in the passing game, which is one reason the Seahawks could pursue Hall, but if Walker were to end up in New York, the Jets would be adding a strong, tackle-breaking runner who consistently gains yards after contact.
GettyWalker will be a top RB target in free agency.
Hall’s Return to New York Is Still Very Possible
Even though some expert projections have Hall leaving this offseason, the reality is that his return to the Jets is still very much possible.
The Jets could have traded Hall during the 2025 season before the trade deadline, but they chose not to, which is a sign that the franchise potentially wants to keep their star running back.
Hall, 24, was also New York’s most productive player last season, leading the team in rushing yards (1,065) and ranking third on the roster in receiving yards (350), according to ESPN.
The pending free agent has been a key part of the Jets’ game plan since being drafted in 2022, so it would be difficult for the team to let their dual-threat running back walk in the offseason.
If Hall enters free agency, he will be highly sought after, but the Jets have the cap space to get a deal done if they prioritize him.
GettyRB Breece Hall.
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