Justin Fields signing could unlock Breece Hall and transform the Jets' run game

The New York Jets started free agency by signing QB Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract on Monday. It was the first of three moves made on day one of free agency for New York.

For the Jets, Fields is a smart, low-risk, high reward signing at a reasonable price. The former first-round pick is still only 26 years old and enters year five of his career as an intriguing QB option.

While Fields still needs work as a passer, his rushing ability is off the charts. In 50 career games, Fields has established himself as one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the NFL, tallying 2,509 yards on the ground in his career.

With the signing of Fields, the Jets have found their identity on offense. Not only will Fields bring his rushing prowess to the table, but he will also open things up for the rest of the run game.

NY Jets run game should improve after Justin Fields signing

The Jets are coming off of a poor rushing season as a team in 2024. New York finished 31st in both yards per game (91.8) and total rush yards (1,561), finishing only ahead of the four-win Las Vegas Raiders.

A big reason for these struggles was the lack of carries given to Jets running backs. Gang Green finished 2024 last in the NFL in carries with 363 on the season. Breece Hall never tallied 20 carries in a game during the 2024 season, which was the first time in his three-year career that happened.

When looking at this Jets offense, Fields and company should mirror similar plays and scheme to what the Baltimore Ravens are running. A heavy dose of RPOs with a dual-threat quarterback and a legitimate number one running back alongside him in the backfield.

This type of offense bodes well for Breece Hall after a season where he saw a lack of carries in many games. When looking at the Ravens' offense last year, Derrick Henry finished second in both rushing yards and carries only behind Saquon Barkley, who had a historic campaign.

Breece Hall isn't on the level of a Derrick Henry, but an increase in production should be expected with this type of offense. Both Fields and Hall will be able to draw the defense's attention off of each other, creating more opportunities for big plays on the ground.

New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand should also play a heavy hand in the Jets' ability to have success on the ground. Coming over from Detroit, Engstrand was a part of arguably the best 1-2 punch running back duo in the NFL with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Last season, Gibbs and Montgomery combined for 2,187 yards and 28 touchdowns, further proving how lethal they were.

Look for Engstrand to use Breece Hall and Braelon Allen out of the backfield more consistently in 2025. Hall is the do-it-all back, while Allen is the physical short-yardage back.

If New York can unlock Hall and Allen while adding Fields to the mix, the potential for this offense skyrockets.

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