The New York Jets have placed the franchise tag on running back Brees Hall, while several other teams decide whether to use the tag on potential free agents ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
The Jets placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Hall, guaranteeing him a one-year contract worth about $14.3 million, a person familiar with the matter said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.
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SNY first reported the decision.
Hall is the third player to earn the tag this offseason, joining Dallas receiver George Pickens and Atlanta tight end Kyle Peters before the deadline.
Once free agency officially begins on March 11, players who receive the tag can still sign an offer sheet, but their current team will have five days to match the offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation.
Other potential candidates for the tag include Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, Cincinnati edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, Seattle’s Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III and Chargers edge rusher O’dafi Ovie.
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The three tags so far this year exceed last year’s total of two tags, the fewest since 1994, according to the NFL. Between 2020-24, an average of more than nine franchise tags were issued each year.
Hall, who turns 25 in May, was a second-round pick in the 2022 draft out of Iowa but did not receive contract extensions last offseason like first-round picks Soos Gardner and Garrett Wilson. This creates some uncertainty about Hall’s future with the team, and he was mentioned in trade rumors before last year’s deadline.
But coach Aaron Glenn insists the Jets want to keep Hall as their offensive engine. New York planned to go with a three-running back approach split between Hall, Braylon Allen and Isaiah Davis, but Allen suffered a knee injury and went on injured reserve while Davis remained the clear No. 2.
The Jets will be searching for a new quarterback this offseason under new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, but Hall’s franchise tag gives New York a chance to keep the playmaking offense in the backfield while also trying to negotiate an extension.
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Despite missing the final game with a knee injury, Hall rushed for a career-high 1,065 yards in 2025, becoming the first Jets player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season since Chris Ivory in 2015. Hall has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage for three consecutive seasons, becoming the sixth player and fifth running back in franchise history to accomplish the feat.
Only one running back in the NFL is expected to make at least $14 million in cash next season, with 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley receiving $16.75 million from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pickens’ tag is worth about $27.3 million next season, and the Cowboys hope to retain him after trading him from Pittsburgh last offseason.
Pickens, who turns 25 on Wednesday, had career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine) last season and was one of the NFL’s best offenses last season. Dallas, one of the league’s worst defensive teams, finished with a record of 7 wins, 9 draws and 1 loss, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
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Pitts’ tag value next season is approximately $15 million. The fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft earned second-team All-Pro honors after recording a career-high 88 catches and five touchdowns last season. His 928 receiving yards ranked second among NFL tight ends behind Arizona’s Trey McBride.
Teams have between now and July 15 to sign players on the franchise tag to long-term contracts, otherwise players will only be able to sign one-year deals through 2026.
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AP Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. contributed to this report
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL