Ahead of the deadline, Gang Green will have its star rusher for at least another season.
The Jets will place the non-exclusive franchise tag ($14.29 million) on running back Breece Hall, sources confirm to the Daily News.
They had until 4 p.m on Tuesday to place either the franchise or transition tag on Hall ahead of the negotiation period, which begins on March 9. Since Hall’s tag is nonexclusive, he can negotiate with other teams and sign an offer sheet. The Jets have the right of first refusal and would receive two first-round draft picks if they decline to match.
At last week’s NFL Scouting Combine, Jets general manager Darren Mougey said they would find a way to keep Hall even if it meant tagging the 24-year-old.
In recent days, it appeared Hall would receive the transition tag instead of the franchise tag, which would have been $11.3 million for next season. But that would have given him the ability to negotiate with other teams before the Jets could have had the right of first refusal to match any offer.
But the non-exclusive franchise tag likely ensures that Hall will be in a Jets uniform for at least one more season. Hall and the Jets can still work on a long-term extension until July 15. While a team could realistically still trade for Hall, it is unlikely given the hefty price.
If Hall and the Jets can’t reach an agreement, he will play the 2026 season for $14.29 million.
If the Jets had let Hall test free agency, he would have received a ton of interest on the open market. At the trade deadline last November, teams reportedly called the Jets to ask if they would be willing to part ways with Hall after trading both Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, but the Jets refused.
Hall is coming off the best season of his career despite the Jets’ horrific 3-14 record. He finished with a career-high 1,065 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Hall also caught 36 passes for 350 yards with a receiving touchdown.
In four seasons with the Jets, Hall has 3,398 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Throughout his tenure with the Jets, Hall has been frustrated by the team’s losing record and, at times, by not receiving enough touches.
But Mougey believes Hall wants to be with the Jets long-term.
“We’ve had good conversations throughout the season, after the season, so just finding a way to do that,” Mougey said.
