Breece Hall was supposed to be the spark that jump-started the New York Jets’ backfield. Drafted early in the second round in 2022, Hall brought burst, vision, and a résumé loaded with college production.
But what started as a promising NFL career quickly turned into a test of patience and resilience. From early injury setbacks to coaching changes and trade rumors, Hall’s time with the Jets has been anything but smooth, and now, the pressure is on for him to finally put it all together.
From Draft-Day Hype to Trade Rumors, Breece Hall’s New York Jets Journey Has Been a Roller Coaster
Hall came out of college as one of the brightest running back prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’d posted back-to-back seasons with outstanding numbers at Iowa State, rushing for 1,572 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2020 before recording 1,472 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2021.
The Jets selected the talented back with the 36th overall pick in the 2022 draft, and he immediately became the franchise’s starting running back.
In his rookie year, Hall started to find a rhythm early in the season. He scored his first rushing touchdown in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded a score in four straight games from that point.
In Week 6, he rushed for over 100 yards for the first time, totaling 116 and a TD in a road game against the Green Bay Packers. Sadly, it all came to an abrupt end the following week.
Hall had just broken away for a 62-yard touchdown against the Denver Broncos before he went down with a knee injury. He’d torn his ACL and damaged his meniscus, and his season was over.
Ever since that game, Hall has been trying to discover his best form. He’s had some great games, but in the midst of inconsistencies with the offensive line, the team’s offensive staff, and even the quarterback situation, it’s been difficult to regain rhythm.
Under the new coaching staff in 2025, Hall wasn’t sure he’d be a part of their plans. He is yet to have a 1,000-yard season and is now entering the final season of his rookie contract with the franchise.
Jets RB Breece Hall on all the offseason rumors that the new Jets regime was trying to trade him. 👇 pic.twitter.com/I78PlkHjFt
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) June 11, 2025
“If people feel like you aren’t doing your job, you’re going to be replaced,” Hall said when asked about trade rumors. “It didn’t happen out here. AG [Aaron Glenn] called me and told me he wanted me to be here, so for me, that meant a lot. Like I said, I’m here, I’m ready to work and ready to do my job.”
The running back posted 876 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 2024 while splitting carries with rookie Braelon Allen. Hall had issues protecting the football with six fumbles (two lost) in the 2024 season, leading to concerns about his future with the team.
Hall Faces Pivotal Contract Year as Jets RB Eyes Breakout 2025 Season
The second-round pick is entering the final year of his deal in New York, set to earn $4.3 million for the season. He will then hit the open market, unless a long-term deal is reached before the start of free agency next offseason.
While the running back has shown his capability with some flashy runs, he has yet to record his first 1,000-yard season in one of the league’s toughest positions to get paid in.
Veterans with an injury history are rarely given a top-end contract without outstanding production on the field. Aaron Jones avoided testing the free agency waters when the Minnesota Vikings re-signed him to a two-year, $20 million deal. Najee Harris signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Hall could make himself a lot of money if he plays elite football in 2025, which would serve both him and the Jets organization as they look to begin a new era under Glenn.