The Jets are quickly facing a key Mason Taylor question

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor should have been among those most pleased with the Frank Reich hire. Reich, the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, has an extensive history of incorporating multiple tight ends. 

Barring injury, we should see plenty of Taylor throughout his second NFL season. 

The question, and it’s one seemingly going underdiscussed, is how Reich and the Jets intend to use Taylor. 

Where does Mason Taylor fit into the New York Jets’ offensive plans?

Back in April, the easy answer would have been that Taylor would be the starter, with Jeremy Ruckert backing him up and serving as a blocking tight end. 

Then the Jets surprisingly used their second first-round pick on Oregon standout tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Outside of goal-line sets, the Jets really have three tight ends for two spots.

That in itself isn’t a bad thing. The problem arises when one of those tight ends is a first-round pick. Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn didn’t take Sadiq that high only to have him play sporadically as a rookie.

At least, for their sake and job security, we hope that they didn’t. 

So what does that mean for Taylor? Ruckert has a clearly defined role as a blocker, and Reich previously confirmed he wants to take advantage of having Breece Hall in the backfield. 

In other words: Jets fans should expect to see plenty of Ruckert, even if Geno Smith isn’t throwing his way often. 

By no means am I suggesting that Taylor, a 2025 second-round pick, is at risk of being traded. We nonetheless need to figure out how Reich will maximize Taylor’s potential as a receiving tight end. 

Garrett Wilson is obviously going to get his targets, and Adonai Mitchell has rapidly grown into a consensus breakout candidate. Let’s not forget the Jets also traded back into the first round for Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. 

So, what’s the plan? The Jets can only put so many of their skill players on the field. 

Maybe Taylor is the odd man out. Luckily for the Jets, he’s at least on the standard four-year rookie contract. 

But I’m personally against even considering trading Taylor. Perhaps I’m biased because I wasn’t a fan of the Sadiq pick, not when I felt the Jets could have traded down for the right package. 

Reich has been around long enough that I trust he’ll ensure Taylor remains a key part of the passing game. 

What that could mean for Sadiq, I couldn’t tell you. But that’s on the Jets for adding another body to an already crowded spot. 

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