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New York Jets running back Breece Hall trying to make a play during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Well, scratch the Dallas Cowboys off the list.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, the New York Jets are “likely” going to franchise tag running back Breece Hall. That would open the door for a potential tag-and-trade scenario to the right team.
The Cowboys agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract extension with running back Javonte Williams on Saturday, February 21. America’s Team has made its major RB decision of the offseason.
Some Interesting Comments
Hall was asked at an event on Long Island about whether he feels good about being with the Jets long term.
“You know, I don’t know. I’ve addressed this for like, you know, the last six or seven months now, so now I’m just kind of like whatever happens, happens,” Hall told the New York Post.
That inspired some angry reactions from fans, surmising that Hall doesn’t want to be with the Jets anymore.
“Yeah, let’s move on,” a fan said.
“Trade him. He’s a cancer to this locker room,” another fan fired back.
How Does Javonte Deal Affect Breece?
The Athletic projected that Williams would receive a three-year, $18.5 million contract in free agency. They were off. Williams ended up with a three-year $24 million deal.
In that same projection column, they expected Hall to command a four-year $54 million deal. Are they low on Hall as well? Or is the porridge temperature just right?
If that is right, Hall’s projected deal would pay him $13.5 million annually. That would make him the fifth-highest-paid running back in football.
“If Javonte Williams gets 3yr/$24M ($16M gtd), how much is Breece Hall worth to the Jets or on the open market? Feels like the number is between $10M-$11M per, but to the Jets that $3.5M difference to use the tag on him makes a lot of sense. Reward your best players and try to work out something long term down the road,” Jets analyst Dylan Tereman posted.
“The first running-back deal: Javonte Williams agrees to a three-year, $24M ($16M gtd) contract to stay with the Cowboys, per reports. Expect Breece Hall to go north of $8M per year, perhaps $10M AAV (if not tagged). It’s a buyer’s market, with several productive RBs eligible for free agency,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote.
“A very good deal for Dallas. A little surprised Williams agreed. Not very good news for Breece Hall at all with #Jets,” beat reporter Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor reacted.
Are Hall and Williams Comparable Players in This Market?
Williams has been in the NFL for five years. He has appeared in 70 games and has made 45 starts. With those opportunities, Williams has toted the rock 858 times for 3,595 rushing yards and has scored 22 touchdowns on the ground.
Through the air, Williams has caught 193 receptions for 1,103 receiving yards and has scored seven receiving touchdowns.
Hall has been in the league for four seasons. The former Iowa State product has carried the rock 755 times for 3,398 rushing yards and has scored 18 touchdowns on the ground.
In the passing game, Hall has caught 188 receptions for 1,642 receiving yards and has scored nine receiving touchdowns.
Williams is 25 years of age, and he will turn 26 before the start of the 2026 season. Hall is 24 years of age, and he will turn 25 before the start of the 2026 campaign.
Paul Esden Jr. covers the New York Jets for Heavy.com. A New York native, he co-hosts a morning show, “The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital.” Before joining Heavy in 2021, Esden Jr. covered both national and New York sports for FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Score 1260. More about Paul Esden Jr.
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