The New York Jets are paying everybody lately. First, they announced a 4-year extension of wideout Garrett Wilson. Then, it was Sauce Gardner’s turn to get a massive bump in pay with another 4-year extension. Now, Justin Fields has some news about another of his weapons.
After all the drama surrounding the second round picks’ contracts, it seems like the waters have calmed and now all the players are slowly but surely signing those contracts. Mason Taylor, tight end, just put his name on the dotted line, confirming he will be a New York Jet for the foreseeable future.
Taylor was the 42nd overall pick. Out of the $10.46 million in his contract, he will get $9.56 million guaranteed. This equates to 91.3% of the deal. The tight end will be a key piece on the Jets offense, as he will be the starting tight end from the get-go.
Garrett Wilson needed another partner in crime
Wilson signed a 4-year, $130 million contract extension less than a week ago, that includes $90 million guaranteed. This clearly makes him a very valuable assett on the roster and the clear-cut number one option for Justin Fields. However, by looking at the rest of the depth chart, one thing was obvious: Fields needs at least one more solid option to throw the ball to.
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) warms up before the game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets on December 8, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fl.
Enters the equation the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, Mason. At 21 years old, he played on LSU before being drafted by the Jets. LSU has given the NFL incredible receiving talent in recent years like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Brian Thomas Jr., etc. However, can they now give a top-level tight end?
see also
Garrett Wilson signs extension with the Jets: How does this affect Terry McLaurin’s situation with the Commanders?
What are Mason Taylor’s strengths?
Standing at 6’5″ and 251 lbs, NFL Draft Buzz ranked Taylor as the fifth-best tight end in this class, only behind expected studs like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland. Also above him, Harold Fannin, who is now in Cleveland and Elijah Arroyo, who will play for Seattle. However, Taylor was drafted before both Arroyo and Fannin.
Taylor has excellent hands. He proved that as he became the first tight end in LSU history to surpass both 100 receptions and 1,000 yards in the program’s history. Taylor also ran a 4.6 40-yard dash which is very good for a tight end. He will easily serve as Fields‘ second option on his progressions.
