NFL Mailbag: RBs, Cowboys, Patriots, HOF

Questions on the RB franchise tag market plus the Patriots, Cowboys and a Steelers HOF candidate are answered.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 12:31am

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This week's edition of the PFR mailbag looks into a pair of running back franchise tag possibilities. It also answers questions on the Cowboys' spring priorities, the Patriots' offseason plans and one of the top defensive players yet to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Why it matters

The franchise tag is an important tool for NFL teams to retain top talent, especially at positions like running back where the average career is relatively short. How teams choose to use the tag can have significant implications for their roster construction and salary cap management.

The details

The current projected franchise tag figure for running backs in 2026 is around $14.5 million, which is the lowest total for any position other than kickers, punters and long snappers. This makes the tag an attractive option for teams looking to keep their top running backs, like the Seahawks with Kenneth Walker and the Jets with Breece Hall.

  • The 2026 franchise tag figures are not finalized yet.

The players

Breece Hall

A running back who may be franchise-tagged by the Jets.

Kenneth Walker

A running back who may be franchise-tagged by the Seahawks, especially with Zach Charbonnet's injury.

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What they’re saying

“Do you expect Breece Hall to be franchise-tagged? Will the Seahawks, especially with [Zach] Charbonnet's injury, turn to the tag to make sure Kenneth Walker stays?”

— Nathan

The takeaway

The franchise tag remains a valuable tool for teams to retain their top running back talent, especially in a year where the tag figure is projected to be relatively low compared to other positions. How teams like the Jets and Seahawks choose to utilize the tag will be an important storyline to follow this offseason.