Fresh Jets Rumors Update Kyler Murray, Breece Hall Contract Buzz Ahead of 2026 NFL Free Agency

The New York Jets may have eyes for Kyler Murray.

According to SNY's Connor Hughes, the veteran's name has "surfaced repeatedly in league discussions" when it comes to the Jets, though around the NFL the "expectation is that Murray lands with a franchise known for quarterback development and reclamation projects, such as Minnesota."

As for Breece Hall, the Jets are "actively negotiating" with the running back and "hope to reach agreement on a contract near three years in length, per sources. General manager Darren Mougey plans to use the transition tag if the sides cannot finalize an extension, though that remains a fallback option that the team would prefer to avoid."

Using the transition tag would mean paying Hall $11.3 million in 2026 and allowing him to hit the market in 2027, though an extension would be preferable for both sides. Per Hughes, "League sources expect the sides to land between [the transition tag] figure and the $14.2 million franchise tag. A three-year, $36 million deal (an average of $12 million per year) is one deemed fair by two teams also in the market for an upper-end running back."

Hall rushed for 1,065 yards and four touchdowns last season, making him one of the few bright spots for the Jets on the offensive side of the ball. Whoever plays quarterback for the Jets next season will need weapons, and the 24-year-old Hall is one of the top playmakers available this offseason.

In other words, the Jets would be hard-pressed to upgrade the position if they cut ties with Hall. One way or another, he'll be back.

But who will be under center?

The Jets have the No. 2 overall pick but there doesn't appear to be a quarterback worth taking that high, with Fernando Mendoza almost certainly going No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders. New York would probably be better off drafting one of the highly talented edge-rushers available at No. 2.

That leaves free agency or a trade. Malik Willis is one option, but he remains fairly unproven and is receiving enough hype that he won't come cheap. The upside is tantalizing, but the Jets may be better off going for a cheaper stopgap and revisiting the position at next year's draft.

Murray would represent the latter path if he's indeed released. He would be an upgrade over Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook, but only if Murray was willing to take a short-term deal.

If he's looking for a longer-term contract, the Jets should probably turn elsewhere. There should be plenty of options, with a number of viable veterans expected to hit the market.