The Kansas City Chiefs have a massive AFC West contest against the Denver Broncos in Week 11. The Broncos are dealing with an injury to running back J.K. Dobbins, which will work in their favor.
While the Broncos' backfield will experience some changes, the Chiefs are rolling with their current collection of running backs after they didn't trade for New York Jets running back Breece Hall. And based on the latest info, the hope of Hall being a realistic free agent target has become much more difficult.
ESPN's Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler released an article discussing early rankings for 2026 free agents, and Hall came in at No. 6 on the list. In the piece, Fowler talked about what he's hearing on a possible free agent deal for Hall and said, "And my sense is he will do just fine in free agency -- think Josh Jacobs' four-year, $48 million deal signed in March 2024 as a possibility. A few personnel evaluators thought that was a fair contract comp."
And with that price tag being floated around, the Chiefs would have a tough time even offering Hall that deal if the opportunity presented itself.
Breece Hall’s Projected Free Agent Deal Would Be Difficult for Chiefs
According to Spotrac, the Chiefs are currently last in the league in projected cap space for the 2026 season, sitting at -$30 million in salary cap space. Kansas City will certainly have to make some cuts and restructure some current contracts.
That will take priority for the Chiefs this offseason, so potentially offering a running back $12 million a year, which includes some guaranteed money, is a tough thing to do. Kansas City didn't meet New York's asking price of a third-round pick ahead of the trade deadline, and his upcoming contract likely played a role in that.
Despite the high price, Hall would have been worth it and elevated the Chiefs' offense. This season for the Jets, Hall is 10th in the NFL in rushing yards (664), along with 220 receiving yards and three total touchdowns. Over the last two games, he has logged at least 125 scrimmage yards, making plays all over the field.
He's been one of the best dual-threat playmakers in the NFL, and his play in New York will continue to raise his price tag. Since Garrett Wilson is dealing with a knee injury, Hall will become the focal point of the offense, and if he continues to play at this level, he will surely play his way out of Kansas City's price range.