The New York Jets possess one of the NFL‘s most promising young running backs in Breece Hall. At just 24 years old and entering his fourth season, Hall quickly made an impact before a season-ending injury slowed his rookie year. He bounced back in 2023 with an impressive 1,585 total yards from scrimmage, including 994 rushing yards and 591 receiving yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
In 2024, Hall‘s production slightly declined to 1,359 scrimmage yards, comprised of 876 rushing yards and 483 receiving yards. This decrease coincided with the Jets having the fewest rushing attempts in the league, which naturally limited opportunities for their lead back. Despite speculation about potential trades during the offseason, Hall remains with the Jets, with very little likelihood of a deal happening before the 2024 season unfolds.
Contract Comparisons and Hall’s Perspective on His Future
With the 2024 NFL offseason witnessing several running backs from Hall’s draft class inking significant contracts, questions about his own contract future have intensified. Players like James Cook of the Buffalo Bills and Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams recently secured deals worth $48 million over four years and $33 million over three years, respectively. These moves set a precedent for Hall’s impending free agency status after the season ends.
Reporting from ESPN’s Rich Cimini reveals that although Hall’s statistics are comparable to these peers, he does not anticipate a contract extension to be reached before the conclusion of the 2024 season. Hall expressed respect and understanding towards his contemporaries’ contracts, acknowledging their performances and situations as differentiating factors.
“No, because they’ve both done much more in this league than I have,”
Hall said.
“They’ve been in better situations, and they’re both very good players. Obviously, I feel like I’m just as talented as anyone, but those guys are two really good running backs, and they deserve their payday and they got what they deserve.”
—Breece Hall, Jets Running Back
Statistical analysis shows Hall slightly trails Cook and Williams in rushing yards and touchdowns but holds an advantage in total scrimmage yards. This balance supports his chances of obtaining a contract on par with those recently signed if he delivers a strong performance this season.
Jets’ Outlook on Locking in Hall’s Future
The Jets are currently navigating the challenge of determining how to approach Hall’s next contract, balancing his talent and potential against salary cap considerations and team strategy. Given the Jets’ limited run attempts affecting Hall’s output, a solid 2024 campaign could bolster his negotiation position ahead of free agency in 2025.
Hall’s situation carries notable importance for the Jets franchise, as securing a dynamic young back aligns with building a competitive offense moving forward. Fans and analysts will closely monitor his progress this season to gauge how the team’s front office will respond regarding a long-term commitment.