Here’s a move that’s sure to shake up the NFL landscape: Breece Hall has officially been franchise-tagged by the New York Jets, catapulting him into the ranks of the league’s highest-paid running backs. But here’s where it gets controversial—is Hall truly worth the $14.293 million price tag, especially when the Jets have been struggling to find consistent success? Let’s dive in.
Hall, just 24 years old, becomes the third NFL player this offseason to receive the franchise tag, joining Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens. The Jets made the decision just hours before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, as confirmed by CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones. This move places Hall as the fourth-highest-paid running back in the league for the 2026 season, trailing only Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Derrick Henry.
But this is the part most people miss: Hall might not even play under the tag next season. Both sides are expected to continue negotiations for a long-term deal, with a deadline of July 15 to finalize terms. If they can’t agree, Hall could still hit the open market, though that seems less likely now.
Despite the Jets’ recent struggles, Hall has been a bright spot in New York. Drafted in the second round, he’s averaged an impressive 978 rushing yards over the past three seasons. In 2023, he set a career-high with 1,065 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. And it’s not just his rushing ability that stands out—Hall has also become a key weapon in the passing game, averaging 56 receptions per year over the past three seasons. In 2023, he recorded 76 receptions for 591 yards and four touchdowns, even after starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1.
Before the franchise tag, Hall was poised to join a star-studded list of running backs hitting free agency on March 11, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, Najee Harris, Rico Dowdle, and Travis Etienne. Now, his future seems more secure—at least for the time being.
But here’s the question that’s sure to spark debate: Are running backs still worth the massive investments teams are making? With the NFL increasingly becoming a pass-first league, some argue that paying top dollar for a running back is outdated. What do you think? Is Hall’s franchise tag a smart move by the Jets, or are they overvaluing a position that’s becoming less critical? Let us know in the comments!
