One of the Buffalo Bills’ biggest weaknesses in recent memory has been their run-defense and Brandon Beane did his best to fix that unit this past offseason. The last time the Bills were truly able to stop the run on a consistent basis was when they had defensive tackle Star Lotulelei in the middle of the trenches. His presence allowed Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano to fly into the gaps and make a play at or behind the line of scrimmage.
Since he left, Buffalo’s defense has had a tough time stopping the run. One running back who resides in the AFC East has had the Bills’ number and that is New York Jets running back Breece Hall. In four meetings against the Bills, Hall has rushed for 308 yards and has 134 receiving yards to go with a touchdown against Buffalo.
At the start of the 2023 season, the Bills and Jets faced off on Monday Night Football (which was Aaron Rodgers’ Jets debut), but it was Hall who was the star of the Jets offense.
Breece Hall entering contract year could be bad news for Bills defense
According to Rich Cimini, Hall said he doesn’t expect a contract extension prior to the start of the season, saying that he “has to prove himself to the new regime.”
Breece Hall doesn’t expect a contract extension before the season, saying he has to prove himself to the new regime. Hall says he’s determined to max his potential. That would set him up nicely going into free agency in ‘26. #jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 26, 2025
Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report recently listed Hall as a player who will be looking for a big payday and with this statement from Hall per Cimini, he could have a breakout season and that could very well hurt Buffalo’s chances at handling the Jets easily.
Hall is a downhill runner who can punish defenders. He has shown it time and time again. Despite the Bills adding help on the defensive line this offseason, they have to show that the moves will pay off by stopping the run against guys like Hall, who are known for giving defenses trouble on the ground.
Buffalo’s defense will be tested early on in the season against Hall as they will travel to take on the Jets in Week 2. We’ll find out sooner than later what this defense will be against the Jets offense led by Hall.