Jets Prepared to Use Franchise Tag on Breece Hall If Long-Term Deal Fails

The New York Jets have made their intentions crystal clear regarding star running back Breece Hall: he will not be hitting free agency this offseason. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Jets general manager Darren Mougey confirmed that the organization is prepared to use either a franchise or transition tag on Hall if the two sides cannot reach a long-term contract agreement by the March 3rd deadline.

"We'll find a way to keep Breece here if we can't get a deal done," Mougey stated emphatically to reporters. "The tags are an option. Ideally, we'd find a way to get a deal done and keep Breece around. I think I've said that for the last year since I've got here. Breece is a good player. We want to find a way to keep him around."

The Jets have three tagging options available to retain Hall's services. The non-exclusive franchise tag, which is most commonly used by NFL teams, would average the top five salaries at Hall's position over the past five years or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever amount is greater. Under this tag, Hall could negotiate with other teams, but the Jets would retain the right to match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Alternatively, the Jets could opt for the transition tag, which represents a one-year tender offer averaging the top 10 salaries at the running back position. This option guarantees the Jets the right of first refusal to match any external offers but provides no compensation if they decline to match a competing proposal. The exclusive franchise tag, though rarely used due to its higher cost, would prevent Hall from negotiating with any other teams.

Hall's emergence as one of the NFL's premier young running backs has made him a cornerstone of the Jets' offensive plans. His dynamic playmaking ability, both as a runner and receiver, has transformed New York's ground game and provided quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a reliable weapon out of the backfield. The Jets clearly view Hall as a foundational piece for their championship aspirations.

The March 3rd deadline adds urgency to ongoing contract negotiations between Hall's representatives and the Jets' front office. Both sides have been engaged in discussions for nearly a year, according to Mougey, but finding common ground on a long-term deal has proven challenging in today's evolving running back market.

If a tag is ultimately used, both parties would have until July 15th to negotiate a long-term contract extension. This extended timeline often provides additional leverage for teams to work out comprehensive deals while ensuring the player cannot leave via free agency. Many successful long-term contracts have been completed during this post-tag negotiation window.

The Jets' commitment to retaining Hall reflects their broader organizational philosophy under Mougey's leadership. The team has prioritized keeping core talent while building sustainable success. Hall's versatility and production make him an ideal fit for the Jets' offensive system, particularly given his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

For Hall, the franchise tag situation represents both security and limitation. While it guarantees significant compensation for the upcoming season, it also prevents him from testing his value on the open market where multiple teams might compete for his services. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact both Hall's career trajectory and the Jets' offensive identity moving forward.