Mason Taylor making an impact with Jets at tight end

Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor at training camp. Credit: AP/Angelina Katsanis

By Al Iannazzoneal.iannazzone@newsday.com Al_IannazzoneUpdated August 18, 2025

Garrett Wilson is the unquestioned first option for Justin Fields in the passing game. The Jets could turn to a rookie tight end as the No. 2.

That’s been one of the biggest debates — and concerns — surrounding the Jets during training camp. The Jets have some talent and depth in the receiver room, but no clear second option. Mason Taylor could end up being that guy.

“I think so,” Taylor said. “I think there are a lot of guys on offense who can do that. We have a lot of people in the receiver room and tight end room as well who can contribute and I think we’re going to be an all-around great offense and spread the ball around to guys who can make plays.”

After Wilson, the Jets’ receiving room consists of Josh Reynolds, Tyler Johnson, Allen Lazard, rookie speedster Arian Smith and some players currently on the roster bubble — Malachi Corley, Jamaal Pritchett, Xavier Gipson and Brandon Smith. None have jumped up and taken the No. 2 receiver role.

The system that new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand uses will be run-heavy with the backs and tight ends involved in the passing game. Running back Breece Hall is expected to play a big role this season, and Taylor is showing he can too.

Taylor has had a good training camp, making plays every day he’s been on the field. He’s also proven to be a quick healer. The second-round pick out of LSU missed a little over a week with a high-ankle sprain.

In his first practice back, Taylor made a diving catch on a corner route that impressed everyone, including his head coach.

“I think it was outstanding the way he was able to maneuver his feet to stay inbounds on that play,” Aaron Glenn said. “But it’s the things that I expect from him in the passing game. It’s nothing new for that player.

“The thing is, he's got to make sure that he comes along at the right pace, so we don’t reinjure that ankle again. But he’s a fighter. He wants to be out there. We’re going to do everything we can to protect him the right way but also let him go out there and get his work in.”

Taylor, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, played in his first NFL preseason game Saturday. He caught Fields’ only completion on the Jets’ first offensive play of the game and was relieved to get that out of the way.

“Definitely. And on the first play, too,” Taylor said. “I was thinking about it going up to the game. It was building up my nerves a little bit.”

Tight end was a position of need for the Jets after Tyler Conklin signed with the Chargers. Lindenhurst's Jeremy Ruckert was the only returning tight end. Used more as a blocker, Ruckert has caught just 35 passes in 41 NFL games.

Glenn and his staff think they can get more out of Ruckert as a blocker and pass catcher, but Taylor is the more polished receiver who looks as if he can step in and make an impact. He is the most productive tight end in LSU history with 129 catches for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns.

“Mason doesn’t talk a lot. He does work a lot though,” Fields said. “From the moment he got here he’s been working. Puts his head down, works. He doesn’t make really any mental mistakes from what I’ve seen. He’s a great route runner. He’s smooth, has natural hands. He’s been great so far.”

Wilson also referenced how hard Taylor works, called him “a dog” and expects him to be a playmaker this season.

“He finds a way to be open when he needs to be,” Wilson said. “The ball finds him and he makes a play, which for a position like that, he's as good as I've seen. Just making a play, finishing the play, being open. That's a position where if you can do that for a long time, you’re going to make a lot of money.

“I think he's got a bright future ahead of him, and he's really gonna help us this year because he's a great player. He came in ready.”

Boyd to IR

The Jets placed cornerback/special team ace Kris Boyd (shoulder) on injured reserve, ending his season. Boyd was injured in practice on Aug. 2 and carted off the field. The Jets signed him in March.