The New York Jets are closing in on training camp, which opens July 28 at Atlantic Health Training Facility in Florham Park, and one of the most important players to watch is a second-year tight end who suddenly has a lot more to prove.
That player is Mason Taylor.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini singled him out in his camp preview, and the reason is pretty straightforward: the Jets added more firepower around him, which makes this summer a real proving ground. New York used a first-round pick on speedy tight end Kenyon Sadiq in April, and that move changes the picture for Taylor even if the team still believes in him.
"In March, Glenn raved about Taylor, saying he expects the 2025 second-round pick to have "a hell of a year." A month later, the Jets used a first-round pick on speedy tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Yes, they will use more two-tight-end packages than last year, but Taylor's playing time is bound to be affected."
That’s the tension heading into camp. The Jets clearly like Sadiq enough to take him 16th overall, but that doesn’t erase what Taylor has already shown. It just raises the bar for what comes next.
Taylor’s rookie year was interrupted by a neck injury that cost him the final four games, but he still managed to flash in an offense that struggled badly in 2025. In 13 games and 11 starts, the LSU product caught 44 passes on 65 targets for 369 receiving yards and one touchdown. He also held up well as a blocker, posting a 63.1 run-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus.
Jets coach Glenn has already made it clear he sees more coming from Taylor.
"I talked with his dad when we were in Miami, working those guys out, that you're going to see him [Mason] take another step. So I'm excited about that player," Glenn said at the Annual League Meeting.
Now Taylor has to back that up in camp, especially with Sadiq missing spring work after a minor hernia procedure. Sadiq is expected to be ready for camp, but Taylor should begin the summer as TE1 while the rookie gets caught up.
That gives Taylor a window, and he needs to use it. If he makes the most of his reps, he can strengthen his standing with the new coaching staff and make it harder to take him off the field, even with more two-tight-end looks likely on the way.
The idea of Taylor and Sadiq working together in 12 personnel is appealing for the Jets. But camp is where ideas become roles, and Taylor’s next step could decide how real that role becomes.
In Other News...
Jets Suddenly Linked To Another Young Quarterback Behind Geno Smith
The Jets quarterback situation already has a clear headline for 2026 with Geno Smith slated to start, but the depth chart behind him is still very much in flux. Cade Klubnik, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe are in the mix for backup roles, which leaves New York with a room that could still look different by the time the season gets here.
Into that uncertainty comes a fresh bit of speculation from Bleacher Reports Kristopher Knox, who floated Minnesotas J.J. McCarthy as a possible fit if his path in Minnesota does not go the way he wants. McCarthy has already seen game action and is still trying to establish himself as a clear starter, so the idea of another young quarterback entering the conversation only adds another layer to what could become an interesting spring and summer for the Jets. [Read more 🡒]
Jets Camp Opens With An Injury Scare Fans Know Too Well
Training camp opened with the usual buzz around the Jets rookies reporting, but the first injury list already gave the team a familiar jolt. Wide receiver Tim Patrick and edge rusher Tyler Baron landed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, while defensive tackle TVondre Sweat was placed on the Non-Football Injury list because of a hamstring issue.
For a team trying to build momentum before veterans arrive, the early absences are more nuisance than crisis, but they still matter. Patricks situation is the one fans will watch most closely given his injury history, and Barons PUP designation only adds to the challenge of making his case after a tough rookie season, while Sweats hamstring issue appears less alarming for now. [Read more 🡒]
Jets Linked To Another Quarterback Twist Fans Didn't See Coming
Dillon Gabriels place in Cleveland has become a little more interesting than the usual camp-depth-chart chatter, because he is now sitting as the likely No. 3 quarterback behind Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. For a player who saw real game action last season, that is a notable turn, especially after he logged 10 games and six starts while completing 59.5% of his passes and finishing with a 7-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
For the Jets, the timing makes the rumor mill worth watching, even if the fit is far from simple. New York just used a fourth-round pick on Cade Klubnik to develop behind the scenes, and the front office also has multiple future first-rounders to work with, which gives it some flexibility if it wants to keep building the position differently. That is why the idea of another quarterback move has some appeal on paper, even if the path to making it happen still looks crowded. [Read more 🡒]