Sources: Jets place franchise tag on star RB Breece Hall - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets dusted off their franchise tag, placing it on running back Breece Hall ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Hall's tag is the nonexclusive version ($14.293 million), meaning he can negotiate with other teams and sign an offer sheet. The Jets have the right of first refusal and would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if they decline to match — a prohibitive price for a running back.

In short, this means Hall isn't going anywhere unless he's traded or the tag is rescinded, which is rare.

General manager Darren Mougey, speaking last week at the NFL scouting combine, gave no indication that a trade is under consideration. He said Hall «is a good player and we want to find a way to keep him around.»

Hall would've been one of the most coveted free agents available. The legal tampering period begins Monday.

Mougey was clear on the Jets' plans, saying they'd use a franchise or transition tag if they couldn't sign Hall before the tag deadline. The transition tag would've been less costly ($11.3 million), but it would've increased the chances of an offer sheet from another team.

The two sides were unable to reach a deal after at least two weeks of active negotiations, a source said. The Jets and Hall have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement. Failing that, he will play the 2026 season for $14.293 million, which counts immediately on their current salary cap.

This is the first time the Jets have exercised the tag since 2021, when it was used on safety Marcus Maye, who never signed a long-term contract. He wound up leaving as a free agent in 2022.

By declining the Jets' contract offer, Hall might be able to capitalize on an