Oct 27, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) rushes against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey never wavered from his mission of securing Breece Hall for at least the next few years — even after the franchise-tag deadline passed, and logical signs pointed to the slow deterioration of the relationship between Gang Green and their star running back.
Instead, after the NFL Draft, Mougey and Hall’s representation got back to the negotiating table, worked through the week, and ultimately landed on a three-year, $47.5 million extension on Friday.
This was always the plan. Mougey was vocal about keeping Hall at MetLife Stadium. He is viewed as one of the engines of an offense that still remains very much unwhole, with an unresolved long-term quarterback situation now relying on Geno Smith in 2026.
But the pieces of something to build on are very much there. The offensive line has two young foundational tackles in Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson might have an improving supporting cast after AD Mitchell’s emergence last season and the drafting of Omar Cooper Jr., whom the Jets traded up to take at No. 30 overall out of Indiana.
Then there is Hall, who bounced back from an uninspiring 2024 season to post a career-best 1,065 rushing yards with four touchdowns.
This contract extension suggests that the Jets believe there is even more in the 24-year-old’s game. With an average of $15.25 million per year, Hall will be the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL for now. Young rushers like Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons will likely eclipse Hall sooner rather than later, but this is a significant investment for a position that is as enigmatic as any in this league.
Yet, for a team that is in desperate need of solidifying a new identity under Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, retaining one of their most valuable offensive weapons for a few more years to help the rebuild along is a good move.
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