The New York Jets' situation with running back Breece Hall has certainly taken an interesting turn.
The New York Jets decided against dealing running back Breece Hall back at the NFL trade deadline, a move that seemed rather puzzling at the time given Hall's impending free agency.
However, the Jets have now made it clear that their intention was to keep Hall all along.
A report surfaced recently that New York was expected to slap a franchise tag on the former second-round pick, which would basically guarantee that Hall would remain with the Jets at least through 2026.
But now, Ian Rapoport of NFL media is reporting something different, stating that Gang Green is more likely to use the transition tag rather than the franchise tag on Hall.
What's the difference? Well, an exclusive franchise tag means that the player cannot even negotiate with other teams. In a non-exclusive scenario, the player can negotiate, but the original team could match any offer or receive a pair of first-round draft picks as compensation.
In the event of a transition tag, the team can still match any offer made, but if it opts not to match, it doesn't receive any compensation.
Breece Hall. Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.The transition tag is cheaper than the franchise tag, which is why it can sometimes represent an appealing option.
Money isn't really an issue for the Jets this offseason, as they currently own $88.7 million in cap room. That being said, New York still surely wants to be careful with how much it pays a halfback.
Hall rushed for 1,065 yards and four touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry in 2025 while catching 36 passes for 350 yards and a score.
The 24-year-old broke into the league with the Jets in 2022 and showed flashes of brilliance early on, but his first three seasons were marred by inconsistency.
Hall finally broke out this past year and would be a coveted weapon should he hit the open market.
New York also has Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis in its backfield, and it could always select a running back in the NFL Draft. But it seems like the Jets really want to retain Hall, who was given a four-year, $41.6 million contract projection by Spotrac.
Others feels that Hall could secure around $48 million if he hits free agency or on his next deal with New York.
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