Darren Mougey gives a Breece Hall timeline, Will McDonald decision

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Darren Mougey of the New York Jets speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jets general manager Darren Mougey addressed the media on Monday attending the NFL's annual league meeting.

General manager comments to the press at this time of year typically aren't going to provide much in the way of new information. No team is going to give away its strategy a few weeks before the NFL Draft. Mougey did, however, offer a few points worth noting.

He addressed the timeline of a potential contract extension for running back Breece Hall.

A little more context on the Breece Hall (franchise tag) situation:

Mougey: "Things are in a good place, and I'm hopeful with Breece. Obviously, we'll get through this draft process and after the draft (I'll) kind of shift my focus back there and hopefully get something done."...

- Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 30, 2026

Hall is currently set to play under the franchise tag in 2026 unless the two sides can work out a long-term deal. The deadline for that is July 15. That gives the Jets plenty of time to negotiate after the Draft. For the time being, their attention can be on finalizing their board.

Mougey also confirmed that the Jets will pick up Will McDonald's fifth year option.

#Jets GM Darren Mougey told @ZackBlatt that he anticipates they will pick up the 5th year option on pass rusher Will McDonald's contract.

That 5th year option is $14.47 million fully guaranteed for the 2027 season.

NYJ has until May 1 to make that decision official.

... pic.twitter.com/OEnjlz8zrx

- Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) March 30, 2026

Mougey originally indicated that the team would pick up McDonald's option at the NFL Scouting Combine, although his phrasing then did leave himself a bit of wiggle room.

I think any lingering doubt about whether the move will be made is now gone.