Jets Star Breece Hall Lands Massive Raise, Jumps To Third Highest Paid Running Back
By 813 Staff
The phone call Breece Hall got from his agent Tuesday morning wasn’t exactly a surprise—league sources had been hinting at this for weeks—but when the ink dried, the message was loud and clear: running backs can still get paid. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (@RapSheet) confirmed Wednesday that Hall has signed an extension that makes him the NFL’s third-highest-paid running back, slotting in behind only Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara on the annual average salary list. The front office has been quietly working on this deal since the combine, and those close to the situation say the final numbers hover around $16 million per year with significant guarantees through the first two seasons.
For the Jets, this isn’t just about rewarding a homegrown talent. Hall, who turns 25 next month, has been the engine of the offense since he took over the starting job midway through his rookie year. Last season he rushed for 1,312 yards and 9 touchdowns, adding 62 receptions out of the backfield for another 487 yards. His production and durability—he hasn’t missed a game since the ACL recovery in 2023—made him a priority for general manager Joe Douglas, who has been methodically rebuilding the roster around Aaron Rodgers’ timeline. Keeping Hall in green and white locks up a cornerstone piece for at least the next four seasons, with a team option that could extend it to five.
Why it matters beyond Florham Park: Hall’s deal resets the market for a position that has seen its value dip in recent years. When you look at the top of the RB pay scale, Hall now sits ahead of players like Jonathan Taylor and Josh Jacobs, and that sends a signal to agents representing second-contract backs. The Jets have also sent a message to their locker room that they’ll take care of their own—especially important as they navigate contract talks with edge rusher Jermaine Johnson and left tackle Olu Fashanu next offseason.
What happens next is the real story. League sources tell me the Jets now have about $14 million in cap room left for 2026, which means they’ll likely pivot to extending a few role players and maybe adding a veteran depth piece after the June 1 cuts. For Hall, the pressure shifts: he’s now paid like a top-tier back, and the offense will keep running through him as long as Rodgers stays upright. Training camp starts in nine weeks. The reps will tell the rest.
