Just in case anyone needed a source of inspiration to believe that things can turn around—even when things seem at their most desperate—just look at Breece Hall. Not only did he decide to repair bridges that he burned himself, but then he decided to make a long-term home on the other side of that gap.
The New York Jets have officially re-signed their star running back to a three-year deal worth up to $45.75 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That keeps the ground game intact for a Jets team that was shopping Hall on the trade block just last season.
On paper, it makes sense for the Jets to do everything they can to retain Hall at this stage. He's undeniably one of the five best running backs in the game, and the team's offensive firepower is very questionable without him. That's not to say that New York doesn't boast a nice group of pass catchers, but rather, with Geno Smith at the helm as the best quarterback option, the ground game is going to be of primary importance.
From a near trade to the Chiefs to a long-term agreement with the Jets, Breece Hall's journey proves that anything is possible.
Last year, Hall had 243 carries for 1,065 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. He added another 36 catches for 350 yards and 1 touchdown through the air, and he did all of this while playing for a three-win franchise that relied on Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor game after game to captain the offense. In other words, defenses could key in on Hall and challenge New York to do anything in the passing attack all season long.
The Jets' penchant for losing had Hall looking longingly at other teams over the years. During this year's Super Bowl, he even posted on social media, "Hope I get to experience football on this stage." his posture placed him on the block before the 2025 trade deadline. The Kansas City Chiefs were reportedly close to a deal but were offering New York a fourth-round pick in return for Hall while the Jets held out for a third. The standoff lasted past the appointed time and Hall remained in place.
A deal for Hall made sense for K.C. given the ineffective nature of a backfield anchored by Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Hall is also from the region, so it made sense why the Chiefs would have been interested, even knowing they'd have to serve up a lucrative contract extension after the season was over. The Chiefs ultimately moved to Kenneth Walker III in free agency, who signed for just a bit less than Hall received—a three-year deal just north of $43M.
Three months after dreaming out loud about being far away from the Jets, Hall has voluntarily signed up to remain with the team for the next three seasons. Money talks, of course, so it's hard to feel bad for the young running back when he's well-compensated to take carries for a team perpetually selecting in the top 3-5 picks of an NFL Draft. But it is a notable change in his orientation toward the Jets.
If anything, Hall's journey from trying to get himself on the first Jet out of New York to signing a long-term deal is a reminder than anything can happen—at least when $45 million is involved.
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