The Jets are trying to make sure Breece Hall is not going anywhere.
A source confirmed that the team is placing the franchise tag on the running back on Tuesday, which was the deadline to apply it. This means the Jets and Hall were unable to come to a long-term contract agreement yet.
The tag will now restrict Hall’s movement. A team would have to surrender two first-round picks to the Jets to sign Hall, which is not happening. The Jets and Hall have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. If one cannot be reached, Hall will be playing on essentially a one-year deal that will pay him $14.3 million.
Hall could opt not to sign the franchise tag and skip the Jets offseason program without being fined. The Jets could rescind the tag at any point, but that is unlikely.
The Jets selected Hall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and he has been their lead running back since. He rushed for a career-high 1,065 yards last season and scored five touchdowns.
A long-term deal figures to have an annual average value right around the franchise tag number. Saquon Barkley is the top-paid running back at $20.6 million per year.
The Jets opted to use the franchise tag over the transition tag, which would have been cheaper ($11.3 million) but riskier when it comes to losing Hall. The Jets would have the ability to match any offer Hall received but if they did not, they would not get compensation.