Jets Face Tag Decision with RB Breece Hall

Team must decide whether to franchise tag or sign running back to long-term deal

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:47am

The New York Jets have a decision to make regarding running back Breece Hall, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The team can either apply the franchise tag to Hall, which would result in a one-year, $14.1 million contract, or sign him to a long-term deal. The Jets could also use the franchise tag as a precursor to trading Hall, either before the July 15 deadline or ahead of the trade deadline during the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Breece Hall had a breakout rookie season in 2025, rushing for over 1,000 yards. The Jets must weigh the pros and cons of keeping Hall long-term versus potentially trading him for draft capital. This decision will have major implications for the team's offensive plans going forward.

The details

The Jets have a two-week window to apply the franchise tag to Hall. If they use the non-exclusive franchise tag, it would pay Hall $14.1 million for the 2026 season. The team could then look to trade Hall, either before the July 15 deadline to sign him to a long-term deal or ahead of the trade deadline during the 2026 season. However, a trade after the July 15 deadline would mean Hall's new team would only have him for part of the season, as he would be headed for free agency in 2027 or a second franchise tag worth $16.92 million.

  • The two-week window to apply the franchise tag is currently open.
  • The July 15 deadline to sign a franchised player to a long-term deal is approaching.
  • The 2026 NFL trade deadline is in late October/early November.

The players

Breece Hall

New York Jets running back who finished his rookie contract in 2025 with his first 1,000-yard season.

Zack Rosenblatt

Reporter for The Athletic who analyzed the Jets' options with Breece Hall.

Joe Douglas

Former general manager of the New York Jets who drafted Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Sauce Gardner in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“it feels likely the Jets will apply the non-exclusive franchise tag or the transition tag to Hall”

— Zack Rosenblatt, Reporter, The Athletic

What’s next

The Jets must decide whether to apply the franchise tag to Breece Hall before the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine, as that will give Hall's representation a clearer picture of potential trade interest from other teams.

The takeaway

The Jets face a crucial decision on Breece Hall's future, as they must weigh the pros and cons of keeping him long-term, trading him, or using the franchise tag. This decision will have major implications for the team's offensive plans and could impact the legacy of former GM Joe Douglas, who drafted Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Sauce Gardner in 2022.