The Jets have a big decision to make this offseason regarding one of their best offensive pieces. Breece Hall is set to hit the open market, barring an extension or franchise tag by the Jets. Those are unlikely, though, considering the Jets nearly traded Hall at the deadline in 2025. Hall is regarded as one of the best free agents available in this cycle. He ranked 7th in ESPN’s list of the top 50 free agents available in 2026. If he is lost, the good thing for the Jets is that this free agency class is deep at the position in question. The top options will likely return to their teams (Walker, Etienne, Williams), but there are some quality options elsewhere. Here are three potential options.
Rico Dowdle – Carolina Panthers
With the Panthers already having Chuba Hubbard secured long-term, it would make sense for Dowdle to hit the market. There should be multiple suitors for the Carolina runningback despite being in a split-backfield. His stellar season included a very memorable five-week run in which he had 103 rushing attempts for 652 yards. He made history with his efforts during this stretch as well:
Carolina RB Rico Dowdle totaled 239 scrimmage yards today and 234 last week. Dowdle is now the sixth running back in the Super Bowl era with at least 225 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in consecutive games, joining Dalvin Cook (2020 with Minnesota), Le’Veon Bell (2014 with… pic.twitter.com/wnjOZtEmo9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2025
Unfortunately, he saw his usage and production go down after this incredible run. From Week 10 on, he didn’t reach 100 rushing yards once. He made it clear down the stretch that he had issues with his usage, which makes a split even more likely. The Jets would provide Dowdle with a bell-cow role as well as a great offensive line to run behind. Despite ending 3-14, the Jets had the 11th-best rushing attack in the NFL in terms of rushing yards per game (123.3). Carolina was down at 20th, averaging 114.4 per game. An upgrade in infrastructure could lead to a real breakout year for Dowdle in New York post-Breece Hall.
Tyler Allgeier – Atlanta Falcons
The running-mate for Bijan Robinson, Allgeier, is one of the most intriguing free agents out there this offseason. It’s gone under the radar since Bijan entered the league and took over the Falcons‘ backfield, but Tyler Allgeier rushed for 1,035 yards on nearly 5 yards per carry in his rookie season. If the Jets bring him in, they should fully embrace the runningback-by-committee offense with him, Isaiah Davis, and a returning Braelon Allen. All three players bring something different to the table and could play pivotal roles. Aaron Glenn talked last offseason about how he wanted to heavily rotate the running backs. Breece Hall was so good last season that he became a workhorse. With this potential room, the Jets can fully embrace the three-headed monster.
Keaton Mitchell – Baltimore Ravens
Mitchell is another intriguing free agency option this offseason. For starters, he’s a restricted free agent, meaning that Baltimore can offer him a qualifying offer. If he negotiates and signs with another team, that qualifying offer could allow the Ravens to match the offer made to Mitchell by another team. If the Ravens refuse to match and let him go, the team acquiring Mitchell would have to give up draft compensation depending on the qualifying offer.
Mitchell will certainly be enticed to explore his options across the league. He is the backup to one of the best running backs in football, Derrick Henry. He dominates the snap share, limiting Mitchell’s opportunities in games. When he does get his snaps, he makes the most of them. Mitchell is one of the most efficient running backs in the league right now as he averages 6.3 yards per carry. The issue with Mitchell is that he has never gotten more than 60 attempts in a season, so it’s unknown if he can handle a heavy workload. Despite this, the Jets should take the swing on the young home-run hitter if Breece Hall goes elsewhere.
Main Photo: [Travis Register] – Imagn Images
