Breece Hall’s next contract could shockingly be a bargain for the Jets
The trade rumors surrounding Breece Hall appear to be cooling off just as the NFL trade deadline approaches. What once looked like a near inevitability, that being the New York Jets moving on from their star running back, now seems increasingly unlikely.
Hall’s resurgence on the field this season and his importance to the offense have made him harder to part with, but there might be another layer to the Jets’ apparent change of heart.
According to a new report from ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the contract Hall could command this offseason might be far more affordable than previously expected. Many assumed Hall’s next deal would land in the $11–12 million per year range, comparable to recent extensions for the likes of Kyren Williams and James Cook.
Instead, Cimini suggests that the market comps for Hall could look more like D'Andre Swift, Chuba Hubbard, or Rhamondre Stevenson, whose deals came in closer to $8–9 million annually.
That would be a sizable discount for the Jets, given that Hall has outperformed all of those players on the field. It would also give the team another reason not to trade him ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
Breece Hall extension could actually be a bargain for the Jets
Hall's on-field production certainly suggests he deserves a contract similar to what Willimad and Cook received. Hall is just two years removed from finishing top four in the NFL in scrimmage yards in 2023, behind only Christian McCaffrey, Tyreek Hill, and CeeDee Lamb.
His 2024 season was undoubtedly a disappointment. His efficiency plummeted and ball security concerns popped up, as Hall led the Jets with six fumbles and nine drops in 16 games. But he's come back in 2025 and looked much more like his 2023 self.
Hall has rushed for 581 yards and two touchdowns on an excellent 5.0 yards per carry in eight games this season. He's on pace to smash his career-high in rushing with 1,235 yards, ranking among the league-leaders.
That’s why it’s surprising to hear Cimini suggest that Hall, who's still just 24 years old, is expected to command only around $8–9 million per year on the open market. That figure feels well below his true market value given his talent and production.
The Jets could also consider placing the franchise tag on Hall, although that will cost them over $14 million in 2025. The seldom-used transition tag, worth around $11 million, is another avenue the team could explore.
But if the Jets are able to extend Hall for under $10 million per year, it should be viewed as a major win for the franchise. Hall remains a focal point of the offense, and keeping one of their most dynamic playmakers in place would be a huge boost, especially if the team plans to bring in a rookie quarterback in a few months.
All signs now point to the Jets keeping Breece Hall, and they might just be able to do it at a surprisingly affordable price.
Yankees Urged to Sign Longtime AL East Catcher to Pair With Austin Wells
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Yankees linked to signing veteran catcher to pair with Austin Wells.
The New York Yankees could look to add some catching help this offseason.
New York’s catching duo is Austin Wells and Ben Rice, but Rice could be the long-term answer at first base. If Rice is indeed going to play at first, the Yankees will need to add another veteran.
Yankees insider Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com links New York to signing Danny Jansen of the Milwaukee Brewers. Jansen is a long-time member of the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays.
“The veteran, right-handed hitting catcher is expected to be a free agent,” Caldera wrote. “Traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Milwaukee Brewers at the July 31 MLB deadline, Jansen earned $8.5 million in 2025 and has a $12 million mutual option for 2026. Jansen, 30, has played with three AL East teams, mostly with Toronto, and the Yankees should be seeking a solid catching complement to the lefty-hitting Austin Wells.”
The option on Jansen is unlikely to be picked up, and the veteran will be one of the top catchers available. He’s a good hitter who’s also known for his defense and can split catching duties with Wells.
Last season, between the Rays and Brewers, Jansen hit .215 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs. His career high is 17 home runs and 53 RBIs, which he did with the Blue Jays in 2023 in just 86 games.
Yankees Tried Rice at Catcher
Although New York has Wells and Rice under contract, adding a catcher makes a ton of sense.
With Paul Goldschmidt set to be a free agent, the path is open for Rice to be the starting first baseman. If that is the case, adding a catcher is a must.
Yet, last season, Yankees manager Aaron Boone did try Rice at catcher, who had mixed results. But it was a play to get his bat into the lineup. The Athletic’s Yankees reporter Chris Kirschner said that was the reason why Rice played catcher.
“There are two ways the Yankees can maximize Rice’s playing time. Start him at first base when there’s a right-handed pitcher on the mound, or increase his starts behind the plate to supplant the struggling Austin Wells,” Kirschner wrote. “As Wells’ offensive woes continue to pile up, the latter option is looking increasingly compelling.”
“At the beginning of the season, when Rice was mainly getting at-bats as the Yankees’ designated hitter and first baseman, catching coordinator Tanner Swanson said he believed Rice could start for at least a third of MLB teams. Behind the scenes, the Yankees were having Rice catch bullpens and slowly working him into lopsided games behind the plate. He’s now showing he could handle a bigger workload.”
So, with Goldschmidt likely leaving, Rice now has the path to be at first, leaving the backup catcher role open.
What Will Jansen Earn in Free Agency?
Jansen has a $12 million mutual option with the Brewers, which will likely be declined.
The veteran catcher should expect to earn around $8.5 million, which he signed for in 2025 with the Rays.
Jansen isn’t a true starting catcher, as he likely can start between 80-100 games and would be part of a tandem, which would bring his price down.
Yet, with the Yankees, he’s a perfect fit for them. Spotrac has his market value at $7.2 million, which seems on the lower end. Instead, he should get close to $8 million in free agency.
Jansen has appeared in 599 career games over eight seasons in the MLB.
