'He Will Do Just Fine in Free Agency': Here’s How Much Breece Hall Could Command in Free Agency
Breece Hall projects to be one of the top running back commodities in the 2026 free agent class , and evaluators expect him to command a lucrative multi‑year deal. Sources tracking the market point to a contract in the neighborhood of Josh Jacobs’ four‑year, $48 million pact as a realistic benchmark for Hall.
Hall’s value increased after the Jets resisted trading him at the deadline and then leaned on him during a late‑season stretch. He has shown three‑down ability, producing as a runner, receiver and occasional passer, traits that boost his price in an era when true all‑purpose backs are scarce. Teams that view the running back position as integral to their offense will pay for Hall’s combination of explosiveness and versatility.
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) is able to hold onto the ball as he is taken down by the Dallas defense, Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Contract discussions will hinge on two key factors: projected annual value and deal structure. Given his age and usage profile, Hall is likely to draw offers that include guaranteed money up front and performance incentives tied to touches and durability. Some clubs may prefer a shorter, higher‑average annual value to limit long‑term risk, while others might present longer deals with built‑in protections against injury declines.
The Jets have options of their own. With ample cap space after deadline moves, New York can pursue a long‑term extension to keep Hall or use the franchise tag to retain him for another season while exploring a trade or longer negotiation. Both paths carry trade‑offs: an extension secures a core playmaker, while a tag provides time to evaluate draft and free‑agent alternatives.
Analysts note market dynamics will affect Hall’s final payday. If several teams enter a bidding war for a top back, the ceiling could rise above current comps. Conversely, a conservative market could push teams toward shorter, incentive‑heavy offers.
ESPN’s NFL Analysis Projects New York Jets Star Breece Hall’s Future in Free Agency Next Year
Oct 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) looks on from the sidelines after fumbling during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Hall is projected to be a coveted player when he hits free agency next year. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.
Hall was coveted at the trade deadline. That the Jets wanted a third-round pick in return for a running back reminds that Hall has top-end talent. And my sense is he will do just fine in free agency — think Josh Jacobs’ four-year, $48 million deal signed in March 2024 as a possibility. A few personnel evaluators thought that was a fair contract comp.
For Hall, performance down the stretch will be decisive. Strong finishers tend to extract more guarantees and longer terms. If he maintains his playmaking rate, Hall should emerge from free agency as one of the better‑paid running backs on the market.
Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) celebrates the win against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
The negotiating window will open in March, and teams with clear offensive plans will be the most dangerous suitors. Hall’s next contract will reflect both his on‑field impact and how franchises currently value elite three‑down runners.
Nov 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (9) and safety Ronnie Hickman (33) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“$135 Million? NO THANKS!” Jaylen Warren Turns Down Generational Wealth — “I’ll Bleed Black and Gold ‘Til the End!”
In an NFL era dominated by blockbuster contracts and big-money moves,
The star running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers shocked fans, analysts, and even his own teammates when he reportedly
“I’ll die a Steelers legend — not a hired gun.”
Silence at first... then total chaos.
Hashtags like #LoyalToTheSteel, #WarrenForever, and #135Million?NoThanks lit up social media. The young phenom — who’s become one of the league’s toughest and most explosive runners — didn’t just reject the money. He rejected the narrative that loyalty is outdated.
Loyalty Over Luxury
Sources close to the deal confirm that both the Bills and Cowboys made guaranteed-heavy offers, expecting Warren to jump ship for brighter spotlights and bigger paychecks. Instead, he doubled down on his roots in Pittsburgh, a city that’s embraced him fully.
“You can’t put a price on the Pittsburgh spirit,” Warren said. “This city, these fans, this team — it’s in my blood now. That’s worth more than any contract.”
It was a statement that hit hard, especially at a position where long-term financial security is rarely guaranteed.
Steelers Leadership Stand Behind Their Guy
Steelers team president Art Rooney II didn’t hide his admiration:
“This is what it means to be a Steeler. Jaylen Warren embodies everything this franchise stands for — heart, courage, and commitment. He’s not just a player; he’s part of our legacy.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin called Warren’s decision “a powerful reminder of what this game is supposed to be about,” adding:
“He’s not playing for personal glory — he’s playing for the shield. That’s old-school. That’s rare. That’s Steelers football.”
Critics Still Question the Move
Not everyone is on board. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky sounded off:
“This is a massive financial risk. One injury, and that’s it. You hope Pittsburgh takes care of him long-term, because $135 million is life-changing.”
But Warren didn’t seem fazed. As he put it:
“Money fades. Legends last forever.”
Steelers Nation Reacts
Fans responded with thunderous support. Warren jerseys blew off shelves nationwide. TikTok was flooded with fans reenacting Warren’s speech, waving Terrible Towels, and screaming: “Keep it! Keep it!”
One fan in full Steelers gear even climbed Mount Washington with a sign saying:
“We Stand With Jaylen.”
It hit 5 million views in under three hours.
The Future of the Steel Curtain
Steelers insiders report the franchise is already crafting a new deal — but not just a contract. A legacy contract, with bonuses, community influence, and a future role in the organization after his playing career ends.
Jaylen Warren didn’t just say no to money.
He said yes to something far more valuable: identity.
“I’m a Steeler,” he said simply. “Not just now. Always.”
In a league where loyalty is rare and legacy is often bought, Warren chose his path.
And with that choice, he didn’t just stay in Pittsburgh — he became Pittsburgh.
