Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The New York Jets are heading into an interesting season in 2025.
The team underwent massive changes this offseason, bringing in a new general manager, coaching staff, and several new starters on both sides of the ball. Now, the hope is that these changes will at least allow the team to improve and build positive momentum.
Earlier this offseason, the Jets handed out massive extensions to both wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner. The two stars were both excellent first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, and now the attention is on the team’s second-round pick from that year- Breece Hall.
Hall has had an up-and-down NFL career so far. The running back only played in seven games in his rookie campaign, but ended with at least 850 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons.
While a solid performer when healthy, Hall has failed to live up to his star potential. The West Virginia product is now entering a contract year, and he has a ton riding on his 2025 performance.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently identified several players looking to earn a big payday this season, and Hall was included.
Regarding Hall, Knox offered the following:
Hall needs to show more explosiveness and better consistency as a ball-carrier than what he’s shown since his 2022 ACL tear. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry as a rookie but averaged just 4.5 and 4.2 yards per carry in 2023 and 2024, respectively. If he can do that while handling a high-volume workload, he’ll have a chance to establish himself as one of the league’s best young running backs.
That could mean a significant free-agent contract like the four-year, $48 million deal Josh Jacobs got last offseason. If, however, Hall doesn’t show positive growth this season, he could be looking at a short-term “prove-it” deal like the $5.3 million contract signed by Najee Harris or the $3 million deal signed by Javonte Williams this offseason.
As Knox mentioned, Hall could set himself up to land a massive deal if he shows that explosiveness he flashed during his rookie season. However, if he struggles, he may have to settle for a smaller deal like Najee Harris and Javonte Williams this offseason.
In 2024, Hall rushed for 876 yards with five touchdowns. The running back also caught 57 passes for 483 yards and three touchdowns, and that dual-threat ability could help his cause in free agency.
The Jets improved their offensive line this offseason, which should also help Hall. No major addition was brought in at running back this offseason, either, which could indicate that the Jets believe in Hall.