NFL
Why the Jets’ Franchise Tag on Breece Hall Has NFL Execs Shaking Their Heads
The Jets have caused a stir by placing a franchise tag on running back Breece Hall, despite his decline in performance. Some execs are surprised and criticize the move as dysfunctional. The team could have saved money by using the transition tag instead. Hall is now set to be among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. The Jets have until mid-July to secure a long-term deal with Hall.
New York Jets v Tennessee Titans by Wesley Hitt | Getty Images
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.
La Canfora has covered over 20 Super Bowls and League Meetings and NFL drafts, building a wide network of sources throughout all aspects of the game. He was an award winning print journalist as well, working at The Detroit Free Press and The Baltimore Sun prior to his first stint at The Washington Post. He has covered sporting events around the world, including two Winter Olympics and all of the 2006 World Cup. He attended his first NFL game in 1978, and would soon kindle what has become a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport. La Canfora is also a professional handicapper, specializing in the NFL, creating a daily sports wagering game show - "Wanna Bet?" He also hosts nationally broadcast NFL radio shows in the US, as well as a daily sports radio show in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.