As a rookie, Breece Hall quickly emerged as a dynamic feature back for the New York Jets. His extraordinary play on-field was glorified here with this past week’s thrilling win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL trading deadline has come up very quickly this year on Tuesday. Today, fans and analysts alike were abuzz about Hall’s future with the Jets and the potential for a contract extension.
Hall came up huge for his first win of the season. In fact, he was superstar-in-the-making as he led the Jets’ incredible 39-38 comeback over the Bengals. He quite literally knocked it out of the park! He’s the first non-quarterback in 75 years to score two rushing touchdowns and execute a passing touchdown in the fourth quarter. This incredible accomplishment sealed the victory! It focused the attention on Hall’s evolution and versatility as an offensive playmaker.
Hall is sixth in the nation in rushing yards. He ranks seventh all-time in total yards from scrimmage, emphasizing his significant contributions to the team’s offensive game plan. His contributions account for an enormous 32% of the Jets’ total offensive yards. This cements his undeniable importance as a key figure in their offensive game plan.
Breece Hall shows up big in the advanced stats hall. He’s on pace for 1,235 rushing yards right now. Should he get to this landmark number, he’ll exceed his previous career high by more than 200 yards! In the recent game against the Bengals, he recorded 21 touches: 18 rushes for 133 yards, two receptions, and a halfback option pass. He demonstrated the skills that make him a special performer as he scored on a 5-yard run midway through the fourth quarter. That was his first touchdown of the year and snapped both the longest touchdown drought of his career and in the entire NFL this season.
Further sweetening the timing of Hall’s successes are key contract negotiations looming. He’ll be eligible for free agency in March. On projections, that means he might be able to get a contract in the range of $8 million – $9 million annually, looking at what the running back extension and franchise tag estimates are for 2024 and 2025. Hall has made it clear he wants to continue playing for the Jets. On the other hand, he’s proven that both he and the organization are keen to see his tenure lengthened.
New Jets head coach Aaron Glenn quickly tamped down any speculation that the team would trade Hall. Aside from further solidifying that organization’s commitment to developing him as an eventual cornerstone of their offense. Hall is still only 24 years old and has superior rushing talent that would align very well under a run-first approach. His future looks very bright under the Jets’ organizational structure.
Looking back on Hall’s play, former offensive lineman and Hall’s Buckeye teammates Josh Myers told Eleven Warriors the difference Hall’s shakes had on a defender.
“I’ve blocked for a ton of great running backs, and I vividly recall, in the middle of that game, I stopped and was like, ‘Oh my God, that was amazing,’” – Josh Myers.
In addition to his remarkable plays, Hall’s determination was evident when he approached the coaching staff to communicate his needs during games.
“I went to the coaches and — not complaining — but I told them, ‘If Garrett Wilson is not playing, I need the ball 20 to 25 times,’” – Breece Hall.
Hall is continuing to prove and establish himself as the focal point in the Jets’ offense. As the trading deadline nears, fans and analysts alike are scrutinizing his every move. Off the field, the organization is at a critical and challenging crossroads with roster, development, and contract decisions that can greatly impact its future.
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