The New York Jets will have several decisions to make regarding their impending unrestricted free agents.
Among some of the players set to test the open market this offseason are linebacker Quincy Williams, guards John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, and return specialist Kene Nwangwu.
Arguably, the most polarizing Jet to hit free agency will be running back Breece Hall, who has played out his rookie deal and is set to see what kind of value he can get in free agency.
But could New York prevent Hall from finding his value on the open market and lock him in for at least one more season as a Jet?
Jets Urged to Franchise Tag Breece Hall
Jets X Factor’s Michael Nania urged the New York Jets to franchise tag Hall before he tests the open market, and keep him in New York for one more season on a $14.2 million deal.
“In 2025, Hall proved himself as a rock-solid starting running back, rebounding from a 2024 season in which he looked replaceable. However, he has not been a game-wrecking star since his rookie year,” wrote Nania.
“That leaves the Jets in an awkward spot. Do they view Hall as special enough to justify a lucrative long-term extension at a non-premium position? Or would they rather take the chance that a low-cost replacement would offer better value on the dollar?”
Once Garrett Wilson went down with injury, Hall was easily the Jets’ best offensive player this past season.
On a team with little to no passing threat, the former Iowa State product was still able to rush for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and racked up 1,415 total scrimmage yards along with five touchdowns.
The problem with Hall is that it’s always been tough to measure just how good he is, considering how poor his Jets supporting cast has been over his four-year career.
If Hall were on a team with a more balanced offense, he might have even better numbers than he’s put up in the past.
That’s why Nania believes New York should maintain control over Hall for at least one more season and see what they can get out of him in a (hopefully) better offensive situation.
Franchise Tag Gives Jets Options With Breece Hall
Even if Hall doesn’t want to play for the New York Jets anymore, the franchise tag would allow New York to either keep Hall for one more season or trade him and get a return on his value.
“With plenty of cap space, the Jets’ best move with Hall is probably to apply the franchise tag and take it from there. The franchise tag for running backs is projected to be worth $14.2 million in 2026; it’s a hefty number, but for just one year, the Jets can handle it,” continued Nania.
“Tagging Hall gives the Jets flexibility with his future. If he doesn’t want to play for the Jets, they can trade him. If he is willing to return, the Jets can get another year to evaluate him before committing long-term.”
Hall’s future with the Jets is at a crossroads this offseason. He’ll either continue with the team that selected him No. 36 overall in 2022, or find himself a new home if New York opts not to use the franchise tag.
One thing is for sure, though: the choice is in the hands of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey.
Jets Urged to Make $14.2 Million Decision on Breece Hall