The New York Jets are betting big on rookie tight end Mason Taylor to give their offense a new dimension. Drafted in the second round, Taylor brings a mix of size, athleticism, and pedigree that has fans eager to see how he adjusts to the NFL. Coaches love his work ethic, and teammates believe he can grow into a dependable target in a hurry. With the Jets leaning on him earlier than expected before the Week 5 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the spotlight is already bright. And now, Justin Fields has opened up on what it has been like working with his young tight end.
While talking to the media, reporters also asked Fields about tight end Mason Taylor. “I’m glad he finally got to show a little bit this past Monday night, but he’s been doing the same thing since OTAs,” Justin Fields replied.
“Like I said, he’s a very polished rookie. He surprised me. I didn’t watch a lot of LSU last year. When we drafted him, I didn’t really know his game or know what kind of player he was, but he came out here and showed us who he was early by his work ethic, by his execution in practice, by his focus. He’s really smart, and that’s always good to have as a quarterback. Like I said, he’s a smooth right runner, has natural hands, and is just a playmaker at the end of the day. Of course, glad to have him,” the Jets QB1 praised the rookie tight end publicly.
Mason Taylor came to the New York Jets as a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His deeper introduction would be stating whose legacy Taylor is, right? Taylor is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, and he is also a nephew of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas. Both of them have played for the Jets’ AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins.
But keeping that legacy in mind, Mason Taylor did not arrive in the Jets locker room with ‘42nd overall’ on his back, but with a strong college résumé and the weight of a famous football name. At LSU, the star tight end became a steady target, finishing his final season with 55 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns.
That was the most receptions by a tight end in program history. At six-foot-five and 251 pounds, he has the size and athletic profile coaches want. The Jets needed help at tight end and saw him as someone who could play right away. Could he be a long-term piece? That is exactly what the team is hoping for. And there is a fine lubrication in the system where your tight end himself wants to be the best in the league. Before the regular season, Taylor had said that he was focusing on becoming a full tight end in the NFL.
Analysts point to a handful of strengths. Taylor has reliable hands and can be trusted in traffic. His frame makes him tough to match up with for linebackers and smaller defensive backs. Coaches like that he is putting time into his blocking, focusing on details like footwork and leverage. That is a part of his game that can keep him on the field in any situation. The Jets also don’t have much proven depth at tight end. So he will get plenty of chances. And being the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor adds to the belief that he has the mentality and work ethic needed to thrive. But wait… There are concerns, too.
Blocking at the NFL level is very different from college. Can he hold up against faster and stronger edge rushers? That is still an open question. Scouts have also noted that while he was productive in college, his efficiency numbers were not elite. He will need to sharpen his routes and learn how to separate from pro defenders consistently. Physically, he is young and building strength. Durability will be tested.
And because the Jets lack other proven options, he is under pressure to contribute right away. Even a training camp ankle injury was a reminder of how quickly things can change for a rookie. One of the most intriguing parts of Taylor’s first year is his developing relationship with Justin Fields. Let’s dive into the relationship between the Jets’ TE and QB.
Justin Fields & Mason Taylor: Jets’ New Red Zone Connection Finds Early Chemistry
From the moment he was drafted, he spoke highly of the quarterback, calling him a really good player and saying he could not wait to work with him. Talking to the media about Fields, Mason said in April 2025, “He’s been awesome to see on TV, so, to get to play with him, and you know, and I’ve just seen his contract,” Taylor said. “They don’t play bad players with that type of money. So, he’s a really good quarterback, and I can’t wait to work with him and work with the guys in New York. It’s gonna be awesome.”
That excitement seems genuine. In camp and OTAs, Fields has already been looking his way on short and intermediate routes. For Fields, who plays best when he has a reliable safety valve, that connection could be huge. The Jets’ offense is expected to feature the tight end position more, so their timing has to click. Will Fields lean on him in key moments? It looks that way.
So far, the signs are encouraging. Teammates like Garrett Wilson have praised Taylor for being ready from day one. Fields appears committed to making him a part of the passing game. Of course, the real test will come in the regular season when defenses adjust and the game speeds up.
If Taylor can keep improving his blocking, sharpen his routes, and stay healthy, his role could grow quickly. And if his chemistry with Fields keeps building, the Jets may have found more than just a solid rookie. They may have found a quarterback–tight end pairing that can anchor their offense for years.
That said, the connection is not yet proven in games, but the preseason and camp impressions are promising. But in-game timing, route adjustments, and pressure will test how strong their chemistry becomes.
