Entering the 2026 offseason, Javonte Williams, Breece Hall and Travis Etienne were considered the top-three pending free agents at the running back position.
But Williams is now off the board, as the Dallas Cowboys reportedly signed him to a three-year, $24 million contract extension, with $16 million guaranteed.
That is a strong measuring stick for the Jets and Jaguars when it comes to what Hall and Etienne could command in free agency.
Hall is widely viewed as the most coveted pending free agent at the position thanks to his explosive skill set that makes him a home-run threat as a runner and pass-catcher.
Etienne has a stronger track record of production than Williams and Hall thanks to his three 1,000-yard seasons as compared to Hall's and Williams' one, and like those players, Etienne is an asset both in the ground and passing games.
Spotrac projects Etienne will receive a two-year, $13.6 million deal, which would come in under what Williams is getting annually. We believe Etienne will at least secure a contract closer to the $8 million per year Williams is getting.
As for Hall, Spotrac sees a four-year, $41.5 million deal. If Hall is as coveted as we believe he is, earning a double-digit annual average certainly isn't out of the question.
Hall may never hit free agency, though, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the Jets are leaving the door open to franchise tag Hall, but he also notes that the transition tag is a possibility, which would allow Hall to negotiate with other teams but still gives the Jets the opportunity to match.
The transition tag price is $11.7 million for running backs in 2026, so if the Jets go that route, it's possible Hall could receive an offer that exceeds $12 million per.
Etienne, on the other hand, is highly unlikely to get tagged by the Jaguars and has a far better chance to hit the open market than Hall.
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