INDIANAPOLIS — NFL executives typically like to speak in code. They’re extremely careful — some could say paranoid — as to not tip their hand on upcoming decisions. They will say they’re constantly evaluating all options or are open to listening. They will try to say just enough without saying anything at all.

Sometimes, there are exceptions.

“We’ll find a way to keep Breece (Hall) here if we can’t get a deal done,” New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey said Tuesday.

With that, the top running back for this year’s free agent class won’t be a free agent at all, it seems.

Mougey confirmed the Jets will use either the franchise tag or the transition tag on Hall if a long-term deal isn’t hammered out before the league’s March 3 tag deadline. But the Jets’ decision to keep Hall creates ripple effects for running back-needy teams — including the New Orleans Saints.

Mougey’s remarks weren’t the only comments that could affect the Saints’ free agency. Across the combine Tuesday, as numerous general managers and coaches spoke, there were a number of hints and clues that could be useful when free agency begins March 9.

RB ripples

Though Hall won’t be available, Kenneth Walker might be.

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider declined to say whether the team would use the franchise tag on the reigning Super Bowl MVP. If Walker does become a free agent, he’d be in line to be the top name available. Like Hall, Walker is young (25) and coming off a strong season in which he rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

The Saints are thought to need another back after a lackluster campaign that saw them finish 28th in rushing. New Orleans’ problems in the run game extended well beyond just its rushers, but no back on the team even reached 500 yards. The Saints hadn’t had that happen since 1998, when Lavar Smith led with 457 yards. Throw in Alvin Kamara’s contractual uncertainty and Kendre Miller coming off of a torn ACL, and it’s easy to see why the Saints could be in the market for another runner.

Other backs who could be in this year’s free agent class include Detroit’s David Montgomery, Atlanta’s Tyler Allgeier, Denver’s J.K. Dobbins, Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne, San Francisco’s Brian Robinson and Pittsburgh’s Kenneth Gainwell. Of those, the Saints coaching staff already has history with Gainwell as coach Kellen Moore overlapped with the running back during the 2024 season in Philadelphia.

Even without Hall, that’s a pretty good group.

Interior push

The Saints’ run game likely won’t improve without addressing the interior of the offensive line. Fortunately for them, this free agent class is stacked with interior offensive linemen.

Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that they’ve had discussions about re-signing Zion Johnson, but he acknowledged there’s a range in what the franchise is willing to pay. If he does hit the market, Johnson would make a lot of sense for the Saints because he’s good in the run, durable and knows Moore’s offense after Moore served as the Los Angeles offensive coordinator in 2023.

“You have to pay what you think a player is worth, or somewhere near that,” Hortiz said. “We’ll see what happens with Zion, where the market goes, if he gets to the market. We’ll stay engaged with him through the process.”

The Saints have a need at left guard, in particular, after trading Trevor Penning last season and with Dillon Radunz’s contract expiring.

Other notable guards whose contracts are set to expire include Buffalo’s David Andrews, Pittsburgh’s Isaac Seumalo, Cleveland’s Wyatt Teller, Tennessee’s Kevin Zeitler, the Jets’ Alijah Vera-Tucker and possibly Cleveland’s Joel Bitonio if he elects to continue his playing career.

What’s the going rate for a top guard these days? They aren’t cheap. Seven guards make more than $20 million per year, and 15 make at least $16 million. But for the Saints, it could be a worthy investment.