Hall became eligible for free agency this offseason, and some hometown fans quietly imagined a scenario where he might end up just a few hours away with the Kansas City Chiefs or another contender.
But the Jets made sure that wouldn’t happen.
Instead, the team used the NFL’s franchise tag, a mechanism that essentially locks a player to his current team for one season. The move guarantees Hall about $14.3 million for the 2026 season and makes it extremely difficult for another team to sign him away.
The salary represents a significant jump from the roughly $3–4 million he had been earning annually on his rookie contract. Still, the one-year deal does not provide the long-term security many running backs seek in a position known for injuries and relatively short careers.
From Wichita Northwest to the NFL
Hall’s football journey began at Wichita Northwest High School, where he developed into one of the top high school prospects in Kansas.
He went on to star at Iowa State University, becoming one of the most productive running backs in the country.
During the 2020 season, Hall rushed for 1,572 yards and 21 touchdowns while leading Iowa State to one of the best seasons in program history. His performance earned him the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s top running back.
Hall was also named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, earned unanimous All-American honors, and finished sixth in voting for the Heisman Trophy.
The Jets selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Producing Despite Jets Struggles
Since arriving in New York, Hall has emerged as one of the Jets’ most consistent offensive threats despite the team’s broader struggles.
In the 2025 season he led the team with 1,065 rushing yards on 243 carries, while also catching 36 passes for 350 yards.
The Jets have not reached the playoffs since the 2010 season, giving the franchise the longest active postseason drought among the major U.S. professional sports leagues.
For many players, a championship ring is the ultimate goal. And after years of losing seasons in New York, some Wichita fans wondered whether Hall might eventually get that chance somewhere else.
What the Franchise Tag Means
The franchise tag is designed to keep star players from leaving in free agency.
It works by offering a one-year contract based on the average salaries of the highest-paid players at the position. For running backs this year, that number is about $14.3 million.
With the tag in place, another team could still try to sign Hall to an offer sheet. But if the Jets declined to match the offer, the team signing him would have to give New York two first-round draft picks.
Because that price is so steep, most analysts believe Hall will remain with the Jets for the 2026 season.
Why the Jets Chose the Franchise Tag
Some observers wondered why the Jets didn’t instead use the transition tag, a similar but slightly less restrictive option.
The transition tag would have paid Hall about $11.7 million next season.
However, if another team signed Hall and the Jets chose not to match the contract, the team would receive no compensation.
By choosing the franchise tag, the Jets guaranteed stronger protection against losing their star running back.
What Happens Next
The Jets and Hall can still negotiate a long-term contract.
The deadline to reach a multi-year agreement is July 15.
If the two sides reach a deal before then, Hall could secure the type of contract that top running backs are now signing — often worth $40 million or more over several seasons.
If no agreement is reached by that date, Hall will play the entire 2026 season on the one-year franchise tag.
Teams are allowed to use only one franchise tag or transition tag per year, making the decision a major commitment.
For now, the move guarantees that Wichita’s most prominent current NFL player will remain a central part of the Jets’ offense for at least one more season — even as questions about his long-term future continue.
