The New York Jets have some work to do this offseason. Both sides of the ball need improvement. But one of the more difficult decisions isn’t about improving the roster.
Instead, the biggest question the Jets are facing this offseason is what to do about running back Breece Hall. He’s going to be a free agent this offseason, and the Jets have a big decision to make.
The Jets face three choices, one which would be worth $14.5 million, another at $11.7 million, and the other, a more unpopular one, which wouldn’t cost anything. ESPN’s Rich Cimini highlighted all three choices the Jets could make this offseason with Hall.
Jets face tricky $14.5M, $11.7M Breece Hall decisions
“If he hits the open market, he will attract significant interest,” Cimini writes. “… A franchise tag will be pricey (projected $14.5 million), but he and WR Garrett Wilson are the only two proven playmakers on offense. …The transition tag at $11.7 million is a possibility, too.”
The Jets could franchise tag Hall on a fully guaranteed $14.5 million contract, or they could let him walk and field significant interest, likely leaving in free agency.
Or they could put the transition tag on Hall, which would give Hall a chance to negotiate with other teams, while the Jets hold the ability to match whatever offer he gets and re-sign him at that figure.
There is one big downside to the transition tag: if the Jets don’t match the offer sheet, then they won’t get any draft pick compensation for losing Hall.
More: Why Jets won’t let Breece Hall hit free agency even if there’s no extension
If the Jets simply let Hall walk in free agency, they would be able to land a compensatory draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
But, if they transition tag him, then the Jets would not land any compensation if they don’t match the contract he returns to the Jets with.
Tagging Hall at $14.5 million would be a lot for a running back, but considering Hall is their best playmaker other than Wilson, the Jets, with plenty of cap space, can justify splurging a big deal to retain Hall this offseason.
This is the most interesting decision for the Jets this offseason. While the quarterback change will be fascinating to follow, how the Jets handle Hall will be one of the more interesting free agent decisions across the NFL this offseason.
