Jets given alternative RB option if Breece Hall leaves in free agency

The New York Jets have several needs they have to fill this offseason, and if they can't come to terms with Breece Hall on an extension, running back will be one of them.

The Jets' 36th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has played out his rookie deal and is set to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent. Given the amount of losses Hall has had to suffer through with the Jets, it's fair to wonder if he's fed up with the organization and wants a change of scenery.

Barring a use of the franchise tag, which shakes out to about $14.5 million in 2026 per Over the Cap, Hall is likely to test his value on the open market.

But where could the Jets pivot if they lose arguably their best offensive player outside of Garrett Wilson?

Kenneth Walker III tabbed as potential Breece Hall replacement for the Jets

CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles recently named Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III as a free-agent option for the Jets to consider if Hall finds himself a new home in March.

Pereles referred to Walker as a "tackle-breaking machine" and predicted that he'll have "ample suitors" once free agency opens in March. Both he and Hall are expected to be the top two running backs available this offseason.

Walker, about to be Seattle's lead-back in the Super Bowl, was selected just five spots after Hall in the 2022 draft out of Michigan State. Similar to Hall, Walker is a two-way threat, able to make plays with his legs and has great hands for a running back.

Both backs have similar statistical totals over their four-year careers. In four seasons, Hall has accumulated 5,040 all-purpose yards, while Walker has racked up over 4,506 yards from scrimmage.

Where Walker makes up for his lesser yards is his touchdowns. The Seahawks' lead back has seen the endzone 31 times, while Hall has scored 27 times.

Both running backs have similar outputs and skill sets, and even a similar number of games played, with Hall playing two fewer games than Walker over four seasons. They probably figure to land similar contracts in free agency, despite Spotrac projecting a four-year, $41.5 million deal for Hall and a four-year, $33.5 million deal for Walker.

The only snag for the Jets in this potential marriage would be the Seahawks' current running back situation. Seattle's other half of their backfield, Zach Charbonnet, tore his ACL in the divisional round of the playoffs and figures to miss at least some of the 2026 season.

If the Seahawks want to keep some continuity from their incredible 2025 season, it's possible they could decide to franchise tag Walker to maintain control over him for at least another season.

If that's the case, the Jets would have to pivot elsewhere, such as Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne or Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams.

Alternatively, if general manager Darren Mougey finds he doesn't like any other options available to him, the Jets could opt to use a chunk of their projected $83.5 million in cap space this season and franchise tag Hall, keeping him in New York on a one-year, fully guaranteed deal.