Breece Hall gets paid: What it means for Jets, fan...

playJets give RB Hall 3-year, $45.75M extension (1:02)Jets give RB Hall 3-year, $45.75M extension (1:02) FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey said negotiations were "in a good place" when the pause button was hit for negotiations with running back Breece Hall on March 3 -- the deadline for tagging players. At that point, the Jets used the franchise tag, knowing they still had time to negotiate a long-term deal. Mougey told Hall's agent, Nicole Lynn, that he needed to focus on draft preparation and would resume talks after the draft. Lynn agreed to the timetable, and they began negotiations again last week. Yes, it's true, Hall's name came up in trade talks last fall -- mostly teams inquiring about his availability -- but the Jets' public stance hasn't wavered: They've always maintained an interest in retaining Hall for the long term. And that goal was reached Friday when the Jets signed Hall to a three-year, $45.75 million contract. Our experts weigh in on what the deal means for Hall and New York, with Jets reporter Rich Cimini tackling questions around the team, national reporter Jeremy Fowler hitting on the bigger picture of the running back market and fantasy analyst Mike Clay giving the latest on Hall's value. Breece Hall is hoping to return to his dual-threat role under new offensive coordinator Frank Reich. AP Photo/Adam HungerWhat does this deal mean for the Jets' future?It means they've locked up another key player. Their top players on offense -- Hall, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and tackles Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu -- are under contract through at least 2028. They also have two rookie first-rounders, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. On paper, they have the makings of a formidable supporting cast. What they lack, of course, is a long-term answer at quarterback -- an issue that has vexed this franchise for decades. Mougey's plan is to strengthen the infrastructure and then add the young quarterback in 2027 or 2028. Previous regimes did it in reverse -- quarterback first, then supporting cast. That never worked because it was too much of a burden for the young QB. -- Cimini Newly hired Frank Reich called Hall "a really good player," and it's safe to assume he will try to utilize Hall's receiving ability. In 2023, Hall led all running backs with 76 receptions. In 2025, he caught only 36 passes, as he became an afterthought in the passing game. Hall was frustrated by the lack of involvement. Reich said he wants to "find ways to be dynamic in the passing game," and it would behoove them to call Hall's number -- a lot. -- Cimini Bijan Robinson's future contract is expeted to exceed the deal signed by Breece Hall, whose contract is more of a scene-setter for Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesWhat does it mean for Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, two highly productive 2023 draft picks at the same position whose teams would like to extend them?Hall's deal is more of a scene-setter for the running back market and shouldn't have a deep impact on either player. Robinson and Gibbs are justified to earn at least $20 million per year on a new deal. They are a cut above Hall and the other running backs who recently signed deals, such as Kansas City's Kenneth Walker III and New Orleans' Travis Etienne Jr. Detroit has expressed interest in extending Gibbs, who, like Robinson, is a 2028 free agent. Meanwhile, Robinson will be a priority in Atlanta, but the Falcons want to extend wide receiver Drake London, who's a free agent in 2027 and thus a more immediate need. -- Fowler Hall is my No. 14-ranked running back for 2026 and sits No. 10 at the position in dynasty. Create a league and customize league size, scoring and rules to play in the league you want to play in. Yes, he has finished outside the top 15 backs in fantasy points per game each of the past two seasons while dealing with the Jets' struggling passing game, but with substantial improvements in that area, he has a real shot to get back to where he was during his first two NFL seasons, both of which resulted in top-eight finishes. One of only three backs with at least 200 carries and 35 receptions each of the past three seasons, Hall, 25, is a capable three-down back in the prime of his career. Locked in long term as the clear feature back in the ascending Jets offense, Hall is well-positioned to be one of the league's most productive backs both this season and over the next few years. -- Clay

Breece Hall gets paid: What it means for Jets, fan...

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