Signing Breece Hall was priority for Jets, who view him as foundational piece

Hall, since the Jets selected him in the second round out of Iowa in 2022, has averaged 90 total yards per game. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time this past season (1,065), adding four touchdowns. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry (third highest in his career) and caught 36 passes for 350 yards and a score.

It’s important to note the details of Hall’s deal. The $45.75 million is an average of $15.25 million per year, which would make Hall the third highest-paid back in the NFL. That is the maximum value of the contract, though – taking into consideration escalators, incentives, and non-guarantees. Sources told SNY there is no guaranteed money in the third year, with one official saying it’s essentially a “team option.”

The contract is essentially a two-year, $29-million, fully-guaranteed extension. That true value is $14.5 per year. That figure still jumps the Kenneth Walker $14.35 per-year average he got from the Chiefs in free agency this year, a sticking point for Hall’s side.

Whether looking at the true value ($14.5 million) or max ($15.25 million), it’s a significant investment from the Jets. The contract, the team believes, will look like a bargain if Hall does what they believe he is capable of. Bijan Robinson (Falcons) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) are expected to reset the market when they get their contracts. That would push Hall from the NFL’s fourth highest-paid back, down to the sixth.

Hall, who will turn 25 later this month, has the opportunity to double-dip. He will be 27 when the guaranteed money runs out on his deal. A second extension (a rarity in the NFL) would then be on the table.