Why the Jets’ Franchise Tag on Breece Hall Has NFL Execs Shaking Their Heads

The Jets, not unfamiliar with acting in a manner that makes functional NFL franchises shake their collective heads, created another stir on Tuesday with their surprising decision to place a franchise tag on running back Breece Hall.

Hall, 25, has not been nearly as effective a back since his breakout rookie season, with injuries playing a significant role in his stunted development, and the running back position has been one where teams are generally hesitant to pay top dollar for anything other than a proven blue chip commodity like Saquon Barkley. 

Hall will earn a minimum of $14M next season should he sign the franchise tag; New York will work to get him signed to a multi-year contract, and still could trade him, but some execs are surprised the team did not deal him already.

Hall’s name came up repeatedly in trade conversations in recent years, with New York ultimately retaining the running back despite tearing down its roster at other key positions (corner and pass rushers) because it could not cull what it deemed to be fair value for the running back. 

Now, at a time when teams will be keen to reload on young, cheap running backs in the draft, the Jets are tied to a player at a high salary.

The Jets Being The Jets?

“This is what dysfunctional franchises do,” said one long-time NFL personnel executive. “They chase their tail.”

Another personnel exec said: “If you’re dying to tag him, use the transition tag. I don’t get it.”

The Jets could have saved three million by using the transition tag. The non-exclusive franchise tag place on Hall required two first-round draft picks as compensation for signing him to an offer sheet. 

“They couldn’t get back the pick they used on him (Hall is a former second-round pick),” the first exec said. “No one is signing him to an offer sheet.”

Hall is now in line to be at least the fourth-highest paid running back in the NFL in 2026. The Jets have until mid-July to get an extension done with Hall. And expect him to cash in.

“They almost have to do something with him now,” the first exec said, alluding to a long-term deal.