New York Jets running back Breece Hall had to watch two of his teammates from the same draft class receive contract extensions, knowing full well that wasn’t going to happen to him.

That wasn’t always the case, though.

Seven games into his rookie season in 2022, Hall’s production was even greater than the likes of receiver Garrett Wilson. Now, though, there is no denying who the future star of the unit is.

Injuries and ineffective play over the last few years have grounded Hall’s once elite potential. As he enters a pivotal contract year with the Jets, the Iowa State running back knows the kind of pressure he is under.

Both on and off the field.

Breece Hall Sounds off on Jets Future

There is no fifth-year option waiting for Hall following the 2025 season. Either he receives a long-term extension, the franchise tag, or he hits the open market as a free agent.

Unlike most running backs taken in the 2022 draft, though, Hall understands his current situation. It’s why he fully acknowledges what is awaiting for him this year.

“I wasn’t drafted by them (head coach Aaron Glenn), I’m not their guy. I’ve got to prove it every day,” Hall said after Saturday’s practice. “It’s always, ‘He’s got potential,’ but I want to be the product.”

The 24-year-old is correct. He is not the new regime’s “guy” in a sense. Since Glenn was first hired in January, he pushed for a running back-by-committee approach. That left Hall expected to split touches with second-year running backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.

It will be hard for Hall to show he can be an every-down back when he’s receiving a limited number of touches per game.

That is just the situation he is in, though. Hall struggled in 2024, dropping to a career-low 4.2 yards per rush attempt and fumbling six times.

It’s a good sign that Hall understands his future with the Jets. The acknowledgement that he won’t be receiving a contract extension and will need to earn everything in the future is essential for him in 2025.

In a contract season, Hall will need to be at his best. His future both in New York, and in the league, depends on it.