New Breece Hall report reveals why Jets were forced to use the franchise tag

The New York Jets are officially placing the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall, according to SNY's Connor Hughes.

The news comes as a surprise, given the consensus exiting the NFL Scouting Combine was that the Jets would be using the transition tag on their star running back, allowing opposing teams to do the legwork on hammering out a contract extension for them.

Instead, per Hughes, Hall's market was too hot, and it seems running back-needy teams were a lot more interested in the Iowa State product than initially anticipated.

Jets were forced to not use the transition tag on Breece Hall

The Jets and Hall were unable to come to terms on a long-term extension internally, so the initial idea was that the transition tag would let the running back feel out his market without the risk of losing him.

Evidently, New York did not want Hall to know what he would've been worth on the open market, and was aware that other teams would've gone beyond the $11.3 million average annual value on the transition tag.

"Transition tag was originally New York’s preferred route, as discussed at the NFL Combine. There were a number of teams who let it be know they planned to make a run at the RB with deals beyond $11.3m. "

Connor Hughes

Now, Hall will be with the Jets in 2026 on a one-year, $14.3 million fully guaranteed deal with the hopes of cashing in next free agency.

As pointed out by ESPN's Rich Cimini, this isn't a bad deal for Hall in the slightest. He becomes the fourth-highest paid running back in the NFL this season, and the market for his position is about to be reset.

Superstar running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are set to receive massive paydays this offseason, and it will only increase the floor of the running back market in 2027 and beyond.

That isn't to say the Jets and Hall can't find a way to meet in the middle on an extension. Both sides have until July 15 to find common ground on a long-term deal.

All in all, the franchise tag is a win-win for both sides. New York keeps their starting running back for at least one more season, and Hall gets a big payday with the ability to cash in again in 2027.