Jets avoid rookie holdout scare with last-second Mason Taylor deal

The New York Jets got it done just in time. With rookies set to report to training camp in less than 24 hours, the Jets officially agreed to terms with second-round pick Mason Taylor on Friday.

NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe is reporting that the deal is worth $10.46 million over four years with $9.56 million guaranteed, including 60% of Taylor’s fourth-year salary. That’s a 55% bump from last year’s No. 42 pick, as second-round contracts across the league continue to receive more guaranteed money.

Taylor was one of many second-round picks around the NFL who remained unsigned due to a growing push for increased guarantees. For months, 30 of the 32 second-round picks in this class remained unsigned until 49ers rookie Alfred Collins signed a nearly identical deal earlier this week.

The Jets got it done just in time. Now they’ll have their presumed starting tight end on the field from Day 1.

New York Jets beat the buzzer with Mason Taylor contract

The holdup with Taylor and other second-round picks largely stemmed from New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who was selected two picks before Taylor at No. 40.

With Shough expected to start as a rookie, his camp pushed for a fully guaranteed deal (after the Houston Texans fully guaranteed the contract of 34th overall pick Jayden Higgins), and most other unsigned second-rounders waited to see how that played out.

But it wasn’t Shough who broke the logjam — it was the aforementioned Collins. The 49ers' defensive tackle, drafted one pick after Taylor, officially signed his deal on Wednesday.

That agreement triggered a wave of second-round signings over the next 48 hours. The Jets followed suit, locking up Taylor one day before rookies reported to camp.

Now, with his contract signed, Taylor can shift his attention to what’s expected to be a significant role as a rookie. The former LSU standout is projected to be the Jets’ Week 1 starting tight end.

Neither Jeremy Ruckert nor free-agent addition Stone Smartt projects as a legitimate starting option, leaving Taylor with a clear path to early playing time. If the Jets are going to maximize their retooled offense in 2025, they’ll need Taylor to hit the ground running.

And now, with his contract signed, he’ll have every opportunity to do just that. Credit to general manager Darren Mougey for getting the job done and avoiding unnecessary distractions.

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