Breece Hall, Houston Texans
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Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets on the field after facing the San Francisco 49ers..
The Houston Texans will have to adjust as a new report has indicated part of their plans for their roster this offseason, specifically when it comes to Breece Hall. Hall is heading into his fifth NFL season and is one of the more coveted players ahead of free agency.
However, the New York Jets have thrown a wrench into the plans of potential suitors like the Texans as the offseason draws near.
Now, Texans general manager Nick Caserio and Co. will have to work with what is available.
Texans Get Unfortunate Update Amid RB Plan
Breece Hall, Denver Broncos
GettyBreece Hall #20 of the New York Jets signs autographs before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Texans are expected to explore the high-end running back market that includes Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl MVP selection Kenneth Walker III, Jacksonville Jaguars veteran runner Travis Etienne Jr. and Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, per league sources,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on February 24.
“New York Jets running back Breece Hall, whom the Texans made a brief inquiry about at the NFL trade deadline, is expected to be designated as a franchise player, if the team is unable to work out a long-term extension, per general manager Darren Mougey.”
Mougey said that they would “ideally” work out a long-term deal with Hall, but that they are open to the franchise or transition tags.
The bottom line is that he expects Hall in green next season.
“Breece is a good player. Want to find a way to keep him around. We’ve been going through that process and are still doing so,” Mougey told reporters on February 24. “We have a week to find out, if we can’t get to an agreement, which way we’ll go with that tag.”
There were no doubts about the Texans’ intentions to pursue Hall this offseason. A failed pursuit of Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley, per Wilson, an example of their lofty sights.
Once again, though, they could find themselves out of luck.
Texans Could Still Have Chance at Jets’ RB
Breece Hall, New York Jets
GettyBreece Hall #20 of the New York Jets looks on before a game against the Carolina Panthers.
“Had Breece Hall made it to free agency, which it appears he won’t, the Texans would have likely tried to pursue him,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander reported on X on February 24. “Now he appears off the market.”
All is not necessarily lost for Hall potentially landing with the Texans, though. That is despite how dour the prospect seems at this stage of the offseason.
There are two types of franchise tags, one of which functions much as the transition tag does.
The big difference is that with an exclusive franchise tag, Hall would be a Jet. However, with the non-exclusive version, Hall would be free to negotiate a contract with another team. The Jets could match, but a prospective team would owe them two first-round picks to complete a trade.
With the transition tag, the Jets would simply have the right of first refusal on any deal Hall might sign in free agency.
Texans Planning to Add RB
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
GettyJoe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans carries the ball against the New England Patriots.
Caserio spoke candidly about the team’s running back situation heading into the offseason, noting the uncertainty around Joe Mixon. Mixon is one of three backs the Texans have under contract for the 2026 season.
Moreover, the Texans are expected to at least consider releasing the two-time Pro Bowler this offseason.
Mixon missed all of 2025, but his departure would all but lock in the Texans’ plans.
The Texans will add another runner. 2025 free agent signing and four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb is again a free agent this offseason. Recent draft picks Jawhar Jordan and Woody Marks are the only other backs the Texans have.