Walker, who turns 26 in October, is coming off a breakout season that saw him win Super Bowl MVP, having recorded 27 carries for 135 yards in addition to 26 receiving yards during the Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.

With the franchise tag value for running backs set at $14.2 million in 2026, tagging Walker would have been too expensive for the Seahawks. Other teams, however, will probably be happy to offer him a lucrative deal in free agency.

Walker would make sense both for Chiefs and NY Giants

With Hall no longer available, Walker could still provide the upgrade needed in Kansas City’s running back room. The Chiefs list of free agents includes Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Dameon Pierce, so new players are expected to boost the position.

Pacheco, for instance, is expected to leave Reid and company for another team as his rookie deal expires. The Chiefs, however, might see the Giants stand in their way with New York also seen as a potential suitor for Walker.

Even though John Harbaugh will count on a stacked RB room with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo, the latter’s injury recovery might lead the Giants to add at the position. And with a player of Walker’s caliber available in March, it would make sense if they at least explore this possibility.

NY Giants and Chiefs also linked to the same Draft target

If not, the 2026 NFL Draft in April could also provide an opportunity for the Giants and Chiefs to add at RB. Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love is seen as a strong candidate to be drafted early, but the Giants may have a slight advantage over the Chiefs. At No. 5, New York will get to pick before Kansas City, whose turn is at No. 9.

Super Bowl MVPs who packed the bags

While watching the Seahawks allowing Walker to explore his options is hard to believe, he wouldn’t be the first player to join another team immediately after winning Super Bowl MVP.

As Schefter notes, Larry Brown, Desmond Howard, and Dexter Jackson are so far the only three players to win Super Bowl MVP and enter the following NFL season with another franchise. We’ll have to wait and see whether Walker becomes the fourth player to join this list, and whether the NY Giants or the Chiefs win the battle to acquire his services.

Throughout the offseason, Hall had been heavily linked to the Kansas City Chiefs, who will now have to cross one target off their list. By applying the franchise tag, the Jets have secured Hall for the 2026 NFL season.

The decision was likely not what Hall had envisioned. He was expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market, with a chance to join a Super Bowl contender. Instead, he will remain in New York for at least one more year.

Breece Hall sends clear message to Jets after NY applies franchise tag

Just minutes after NFL Media reported that the Jets would use the franchise tag on him, Hall took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the team’s decision and share his thoughts.

“Always been the type to bet on myself,” Breece Hall wrote on X following the New York Jets decision to use the franchise tag on him for the 2026 season. “Been working… See y’all soon, Love.”

According to Ian Rapoport, Hall and the Jets are expected to continue working toward a long-term extension. For now, the running back is set to earn $14.293 million in 2026 under the franchise tag, while aiming to secure a more lucrative deal next offseason.

Breece Hall must be frustrated

In 2025, multiple reports suggested that the Jets were exploring potential trade options involving Breece Hall. However, no deal materialized, and he remained in New York despite speculation about a possible move to a contender.

Now, with the franchise tag in place, Hall faces an uncertain path forward. The running back will need to deliver another standout season in 2026 to solidify his value and ultimately land the long-term contract he’s seeking — whether that comes from the Jets or another team.

Journalist Adam Schefter, via his X account, confirmed that the Jets placed the franchise tag on the RB, meaning he will continue wearing green heading into the next season.

“Tagged: As the Jets and RB Breece Hall continue to try to hammer out a lucrative long-term deal, New York is placing the $14.293 million franchise tag on its standout running back, per sources. The tag is designed as a placeholder until the two sides can reach agreement,” the insider reported.

That said, the story now shifts to Chiefs Kingdom. The Chiefs, who are expected to be in an aggressive pursuit for a star running back in 2026 NFL free agency, reportedly made an attempt to trade for Hall in 2025. Once again, they will need to redirect their focus toward other players.

Chiefs might seek a running back

With the possibility of Isiah Pacheco leaving the Kansas City Chiefs in this 2026 NFL free agency, numerous rumors are swirling about what will happen at this position heading into the upcoming season.

Two names are emerging as strong candidates to join Andy Reid’s team. One could come through the upcoming draft, while the other is a recent Super Bowl champion.

Jeremiyah Love and Kenneth Walker III are among the top targets; however, the outcome of this saga could be influenced by the decision of the New York Giants, who are also in pursuit of a running back.

That landscape could shift dramatically due to Hall’s situation with the New York Jets. The team is reportedly considering placing the franchise tag on the dynamic running back, a move that would effectively remove him from the open market. General manager Darren Mougey addressed the possibility, saying: “Yeah, the tags are an option. Ideally, we’d find a way to get a deal done and keep Breece around. I think I’ve said that for the last year since I’ve got here. Breece is a good player. We want to find a way to keep him around. We’ve been going through that process and still doing so.”

If the Jets follow through, the Chiefs would lose one of the most appealing playmakers available to become Super Bowl contenders again. Without Hall in play, general manager Brett Veach may be forced to pivot quickly to other options.

Chiefs could lose RB option for 2026 due to NY Jets

The Kansas City Chiefs’ search for a star running back may have taken a decisive turn as the New York Jets move closer to securing Breece Hall’s future. With the franchise tag looming as a viable option, the Chiefs’ hopes of landing one of the most dynamic backs in football appear to be fading.

Jets general manager Darren Mougey reinforced that reality when discussing the team’s commitment to keeping Hall at the NFL Combine. “We have a week to find out if we can’t get to an agreement, which way it will go with that tag. We’ll find a way to keep Breece here if we can’t get a deal done. I do get the sense that Breece wants to be here. We just have to find a way to do that.”

This confirmation effectively closes the door on Kansas City pursuing Hall and forces the Chiefs to focus on alternative options. With their need for a reliable ground presence still unresolved, attention may now shift to other available running backs like Etienne or Walker.

Breece Hall is one of the best players on the Jets. He is an excellent running back, and while his future is not set in stone, he wants the ball. Facing a potential transition or franchise tag from the Jets, Breece Hall is keeping it cool. On Saturday, the star back adopted a “whatever happens, happens” mindset regarding his future. The tag would lock him in for a fifth season with the team.

As for what he wants, “I feel like my play speaks for itself, considering the situations I’ve been in the last few years. I’m going to get everything that’s coming to me, so I’m not too worried about it.” Hall wants the ball, whether it’s on Frank Reich‘s scheme or elsewhere.

Breece Hall is so good, suitors will come

With rumors of the Kansas City Chiefs looking to make a big splash for Breece Hall, the Jets are under pressure and need to make a decision. A talent like Hall will get plenty of looks. Hall is very talented, very versatile, and an overall weapon any offense would like to have.

Hall had more than 1,000 yards rushing and a total 1,415 scrimmage yards with five touchdowns. Hall averaged 4.4 yards per attempt as well. This is the first time Hall overcomes the 1,000-yard treshold in the rushing department. However, it was also career-low in total touchdowns. Still, it’s the Jets offense that struggled as a unit more than Hall himself.

How did RBs fare with Frank Reich?

Reich was the OC on the then-San Diego Chargers in 2014, and he didn’t have the best running backs to work with. Branden Oliver, Ryan Matthews, and Donald Brown won’t cut it for a team. In 2015, he got rookie Melvin Gordon and while not amazing, Gordon did have 833 total yards, though he didn’t score a single TD.

On the Eagles, he had LeGarette Blount in the Super Bowl-winning season. One year prior, he had Matthews again, and Darren Sproles. None got to 1,000 yards. His first 1,000-yard RB was Marlon Mack in the Colts, and that’s in the total scrimmage yards department.

Mack then had another 1,000 yard season, this time rushing. In the 2020 season, Jonathan Taylor arrived and immediately got 1,000 yards. The highlight was in 2021, where Taylor led the NFL in rushes, rush yards, rushing TDs, and earned All Pro honors.

Hall fired off a pointed message on social media, calling out the behavior directly. “Pathetic move by you tbh. Wish some of yall would grow up and stop acting like little kids nagging somebody till they get mad lol,” he wrote in response to reporter Brian Costello.

“Approached Justin Fields at his locker. He said he was going to get a massage and did not have time to talk. I asked his reaction to move. ‘there’s no reaction. That’s life. S— happens,‘” wrote Costello, the reporter to whom Hall sent the harsh reply.

Jets fans applaud Hall’s reaction

Jets fans reacted positively to Hall’s defense of Fields. “Notice how Justin fields teammates ALWAYS have his back. Non-ball knowers can question his qb ability all they want but his character and leadership ability is top notch,” wrote Hector (@jpajamer) about Hall’s actions and how other teammates have previously supported Fields.

Other fans also complained about the methods some reporters use to get a comment or reaction from players, calling them exaggerated and arguing they shouldn’t pressure players so intensely just to get a story for their own benefit.

“Some reporters are so slimy. They are protected by the 1st amendment so they think they can say anything. Not realizing they are talking to humans. They know exactly what they are doing in the world of clicks,” wrote Anthony Speziale (@a86spez) on X.

Hall reportedly requested a trade from the Jets, but the club denied his exit. The 24-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract, and New York has yet to make any move toward extending his deal.

Many analysts believe Hall wanted a trade to showcase his skills elsewhere and secure a lucrative new contract. However, the Jets decided to keep him, effectively putting the running back in a tough spot regarding his future.

Jets GM Darren Mougey hints at the team’s stance on Breece Hall after failed trade

The Jets’ locker room is reportedly tense following the trade deadline. Hall’s frustration over the team’s decision not to move him was clear, and now he’ll remain in New York for the rest of the season.

General manager Darren Mougey recently addressed the situation. While he acknowledged Hall’s feelings, he also issued a subtle warning to the running back.

Hall is entering the final stretch of his rookie deal and had hoped to find a fresh start elsewhere. The Jets have not exercised his fifth-year option for 2026, and Mougey’s comments suggest the team may already be planning to let him walk at the end of the season.

“I wouldn’t call it a teardown,” GM Darren Mougey said on not trading Hall, via SNY. “I understand the question. Through this process, we talk about a lot of things. We field a lot of calls and we have values. Breece is a talented player and he is going to help us compete and win games the rest of the season.”

Notably, Mougey referred to Hall as someone who will “help us compete and win games for the rest of the season,” rather than in “the future.” That wording has fueled speculation that the team does not plan to keep Hall beyond 2025.

Breece Hall could become a top free agent target

If the Jets decide not to retain Breece Hall, they could be making a costly mistake. Despite the team’s struggles, Hall has remained a productive and explosive player who would immediately draw interest on the open market.

Reports indicate that the Kansas City Chiefs were among the teams interested in Hall before the deadline, but New York’s asking price was too high. As a free agent, however, Kansas City and several other contenders could pursue him without giving up draft capital.

Through his official X account (formerly Twitter), the running back shared his thoughts following this marathonic day: “Sick about my bruddas man happy for them but man im sick rn,” Hall said via @BreeceH.

There was a lot of speculation surrounding Hall’s situation, as he was one of the names most linked to a potential trade. In the end, the former Iowa State star will, at least, remain a Jet for the rest of the season.

Breece Hall has been a key piece in the offense led by Justin Fields, which will now have to move forward without highly impactful players like Gardner and Williams on the roster.

Busy day in New York

The New York Jets sent shockwaves across the NFL today, fully committing to a rebuild by trading away two defensive cornerstones, All-Pros Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, before the trade deadline.

The two-time All-Pro cornerback Gardner was shipped to the Indianapolis Colts for a massive haul including two first-round picks and WR Adonai Mitchell. Hours later, the Jets dealt defensive tackle Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a package including a 2027 first-round pick.

These two stunning moves give the Jets an incredible five first-round draft picks over the next two years, signaling a complete change in strategy for the struggling franchise.

Planning for the future

Following the massive trades of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, the New York Jets have fully pivoted toward building a future contender centered around young stars Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson.

The team now holds an incredible five first-round and two second-round picks across the 2026 and 2027 NFL Drafts, providing unparalleled flexibility to acquire top-tier talent.

This massive influx of draft capital will allow the Jets to surround their existing offensive cornerstones—Hall, a dominant runner, and Wilson, a dynamic receiver—with the necessary firepower to become a long-term Super Bowl threat.

The Jets have already made significant moves on Tuesday, parting ways with defensive standouts Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams to stockpile draft capital. With Hall now asking out, speculation quickly grew that Wilson could be next.

However, according to Jordan Schultz, the Jets decided not to trade Garrett Wilson this season, firmly establishing him as the centerpiece of their offense moving forward.

Why did the Jets not trade Garrett Wilson?

Following the departures of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, reports emerged that the Jets could also move on from Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. Nevertheless, both offensive weapons will stay with New York this year.

While the Jets are currently 1-7 and sit at the bottom of the AFC East, the club doesn’t want to let all its best players go. The defense has already been hit hard with the departures of two stars, so there was no need to weaken the offense too.

The Jets could have acquired at least two additional first-round picks for Garrett Wilson. However, they already own five first-round selections over the next two years, so it apparently wasn’t necessary to add more.

Wilson, a 10th overall pick in 2022, has been an outstanding weapon for the Jets despite the team’s offensive struggles. He signed a four-year, $130 million extension in July, which clearly shows that the Jets don’t plan to let him go anytime soon.

The offseason could be a different story

While the Jets didn’t trade Garrett Wilson before the 2025 deadline, things could change by the end of the season.

Prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets could still consider moving Wilson. However, that will depend on how the remainder of the season unfolds — and on whether other teams show strong interest in the star wide receiver.

The information was reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz of FOX on his X account: “Jets RB Breece Hall wants to be traded, I’m told. A little over one hour until the deadline, but Breece ‘wants to be out.'”

Before Schultz’s report, Hall had already led to speculation about his future with a couple of cryptic social media posts following the Gardner and Williams trades. Hall’s reported trade request came shortly after the Jets sent Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in deals that included first-round draft picks, signaling the organization’s aggressive decision to rebuild.

Breece Hall, a coveted target in the NFL

Hall, 24, became one of the most coveted running backs in the NFL as rival teams see the Jets’ rebuild as an opportunity to land the Iowa State product while offering draft capital. This season, he boasts 117 carries for 581 yards with two touchdowns, in addition to 21 catches for 178 receiving yards.

The Jets didn’t mind parting with Gardner and Williams, but losing Hall might have been a completely different story. His departure would’ve represented a huge void in the RB room, and also leave the Jets without a key player to build around for the future. After all, the point of rebuilding is to eventually find success.

The Jets’ reported asking price for Breece Hall before the deadline

That’s why, before Schultz’s bombshell news, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network suggested that the Jets had no intention of trading Hall: “On a wild day in Florham Park, the Jets are not expected to trade Breece Hall, though there is still over an hour to the deadline… .”

Dianna Russini of The Athletic, however, claimed that the Jets had set their asking price for Hall: a third-round pick: “Teams have yet to meet New York’s ask with just over an hour to go until the deadline.”

Hall complains to Jets after failing to get traded

In the end, no deal was made before the trade deadline on Tuesday. According to Schultz, “offers weren’t good enough” for Hall and Jets teammates Quincy Williams and Jermaine Johnson II, who were also trade candidates before the deadline.

Hall still broke his silence on the Gardner and Williams trades, letting the Jets’ front office know about his frustration. Only time will tell us how his story in NY goes on after these drastic decisions.

The Kansas City Chiefs‘ running game has not been good this season, and Isiah Pacheco getting injured won’t help the solve the issue and head coach Andy Reid knows it. So, looking to help Patrick Mahomes, they are eyeing two running backs to bring before the trade deadline.

According to Albert Breer of Sports llustrated, the Chiefs are considering two different names at the running back position. New York Jets’ Breece Hall is being evaluated by many teams as a trade prospect. However, they are also looking at Jerome Ford of the Cleveland Browns, who has lost snaps due to rookie Quinshon Judkins explosion.

Now, Ford is a good running back but has a pretty established ceiling. He averages 3.5 yards per attempt in 2025, but has a career 4.3 yards per carry. Ford is able to move the chains on a good day.

Breece Hall, on the other side…

If the Chiefs are able to get their hands on Breece Hall, this team, that is already a juggernaut, could reach new heights entirely. After all, it’s Andy Reid‘s scheme. Breece Hall has superstar potential and he has been showing it in a dysfunctional team like the Jets.

If the Chiefs get a superstar running back, paired with none other than Patrick Mahomes, it’s trouble for the rest of the NFL. The Chiefs offense has scored 28 or more points in five straight games and that’s been with a running game where no RBs have more than 329 rushing yards.

The Chiefs established themselves as a contender once again

Starting the season 0-2 was not good for the Chiefs, but they had many key players on the sideline. Now that wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are back and tight end travis Kelce is showing his best version once again, they are almost unstoppable.

Now, they can rely on their offense to put almost 30 points or more weekly. And, if something happens, the Chiefs have the second-best scoring defense in football. Hence, they are as complete a roster as an NFL team can be.