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3 Free Agent Running Backs Jets Should Target as backups to Breece Hall

The Jets have one of the best running backs in the league in Breece Hall however, they'll need to add a back behind him as injury insurance

By Nicholas Rome

oJan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs
oJan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Ezekiel Elliot

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15)
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While the name Ezekiel Elliott comes with superstar expectations after eight seasons in the NFL he can't be relied upon for major production. The long-time Cowboy spent last season with the Patriots, appearing in all 17 games with 642 rushing yards and 313 receiving yards with five touchdowns.

The veteran could become the Jets goal line back while also providing the team with a veteran presence in the locker room. The concern with signing Elliott would be diminishing returns as Elliott rushed for just 2.9 yards per carry over the final five games of the season when the Patriots lost Rhamondre Stevenson.

At this stage of Elliott's career, you aren't signing him as a featured back but for the things he still does incredibly well. He's still one of the best backs in pass protection which will be a welcome commodity with Aaron Rodgers at Quarterback.

1. Kareem Hunt

Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) scores a touch
Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) scores a touch / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

After the Browns lost Nick Chubb to a season-ending injury, they brought back the reliable Kareem Hunt to fill out their running back room. In 15 games, Hunt rushed for 411 yards adding 85 yards receiving while scoring nine touchdowns.

In 2023, Hunt filled a similar role to the one he served in Cleveland as a backup that'll see carries weekly. His production in 2023 is even more impressive with the fact that he was playing most of the season with a hernia which he had surgery on following the season.

At 28 years old, Hunt's ability is still near its peak despite playing seven seasons in the NFL. Adding Hunt to the Jets would give them another highly capable back to pair with Breece Hall. Should the Jets lose Breece Hall to injury, Hunt is still good enough to step in at any time as a featured back to carry the offense.

The Chiefs' move to re-sign Clyde Edwards-Helaire makes Hunt the top available free agent running back. The Jets made a similar move last offseason in signing Cook, but this would be far better for the Jets. The team gets a back that's shown he still has an ability to carry the load of an offense and has embraced being the second fiddle in the running back room.

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