The running back market has seen rapid developments this month, with the Buffalo Bills securing James Cook on a four-year, $48 million extension including $30 million guaranteed just days after the Los Angeles Rams signed Kyren Williams to a three-year, $33 million deal with $23 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, New York Jets running back Breece Hall approaches the final year of his rookie contract with a different perspective on his contract outlook.
Hall recently acknowledged during the Jets’ July 27 training camp that he does not anticipate signing an extension before the 2025 season due to the new Jets management team, including a coach and general manager who were not involved in drafting him. He expressed the need to demonstrate his value before earning a comparable deal.
Following Cook’s contract announcement, Hall told The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt,
“They’ve done more than me. They’ve been in better situations. I feel like I’m just as talented as anyone, but those two guys deserve their payday and got what they deserve,”
referring to Cook and Williams.
Hall’s Performance and Role Growing with the Jets
After suffering an ACL tear early in his 2022 rookie season, Hall delivered strong performances in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, he gained 994 rushing yards and scored five rushing touchdowns, while also compiling 76 receptions for 591 yards and four receiving touchdowns. His 2024 campaign included 876 rushing yards, 57 receptions for 483 yards, and eight total touchdowns.
Although his rushing efficiency slightly declined from 4.5 yards per carry in 2023 to 4.2 in 2024, Hall remains one of the NFL’s promising young running backs. The Jets’ offense under new head coach Aaron Glenn and mobile quarterback Justin Fields is expected to emphasize the running game, but also appears to be moving toward a committee backfield approach, incorporating Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis alongside Hall.
Through 40 career games by the end of 2024, Hall has amassed 2,333 rushing yards at an average of 4.6 yards per carry, alongside 1,292 receiving yards on 152 catches, averaging 8.5 yards per reception, and totaling 22 touchdowns.
Comparison of Contracts and Production: Cook and Williams Versus Hall
James Cook’s new deal with the Bills, worth $12 million annually in new money and $30 million guaranteed, was among the highest for running backs signed so far this offseason. His 2024 performance featured 1,009 rushing yards and a league-tying 16 rushing touchdowns on just 207 carries, in addition to 258 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns on 32 catches, establishing him as a top red-zone threat for Buffalo.
Kyren Williams set career marks in 2024 with 1,299 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 316 carries, complemented by 182 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns on 34 receptions. His $33 million extension with the Rams followed a standout season as well.
In comparison, Hall’s receiving volume over the 2023–24 seasons rivals or exceeds that of both Cook and Williams, with 133 receptions in total. Nonetheless, his rushing yardage in those years (994 in 2023 and 876 in 2024) falls short of the 1,000-yard benchmarks Cook and Williams reached, despite similar yard-per-carry averages.
The clearest difference lies in touchdown production: Cook totaled 18 touchdowns in 2024, Williams accounted for 16, while Hall recorded eight over the same period. Nevertheless, Hall’s youth—he is 24 years old—positions him well to improve these numbers and possibly match the annual value of Cook and Williams if he can replicate or build on his 2023 rushing efficiency and receiving contributions in 2025.
Looking Ahead: Hall’s Path Toward a Contract Extension
Breece Hall’s current stance reflects a realistic assessment of his place in the Jets organization and the wider NFL running back market. While Cook and Williams have secured significant contracts following strong performances, Hall recognizes that signing a comparable extension will require proving his consistency and impact under a front office and coaching staff that have not yet seen him produce at his highest level over a sustained period.
If Hall continues to perform effectively and adapts to the Jets’ evolving offensive strategy, he may soon position himself for a lucrative contract similar to his peers. Until then, his focus remains on demonstrating that he can deliver the kind of production and versatility that justify such an investment.