Justin Fields Flops in Scrimmage at Camp While Mason Taylor Steals the Show

During the 2025 NFL offseason, the New York Jets released quarterback Aaron Rodgers and signed Justin Fields to replace him. Fields has participated in the team’s training camp and was described as looking “solid,” aside from a toe injury in July that was resolved quickly.

On Friday of camp, Fields completed his first 12 pass attempts and delivered what was reported as his best practice of the summer. However, on Saturday, his performance declined. He completed 2 of 10 pass attempts. One of the incompletions was a dropped pass by rookie tight end Mason Taylor. According to Justin Fried of the Jet Press, although some passes were catchable, the Jets’ passing struggles were largely attributed to Fields. He did have a 25-yard rushing touchdown during the first play of red-zone drills on Saturday.

Mason Taylor, the tight end who dropped a pass during Saturday’s scrimmage, is a rookie selected in the second round out of LSU. Taylor is 21 years old and is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor. Jason Taylor played 11 seasons with the Miami Dolphins, one season with the Washington Commanders, and one season with the New York Jets in 2010 under head coach Rex Ryan.

Mason Taylor has been identified as one of the standout performers through the Jets’ first nine training camp practices. Taylor visited Jets training camps as a child and watched his father play in games.

Justin Fields said that Taylor works hard, doesn’t talk much, and hasn’t made many mental mistakes based on Fields’ observation. Fields also described Taylor as a smooth route runner with natural hands.

On Sunday, Taylor was listed on the Jets’ first unofficial depth chart as the backup tight end to Jeremy Ruckert. Head coach Aaron Glenn said that Taylor’s receiving skills were not surprising, but added that his blocking ability exceeded expectations. Glenn stated he was excited to see how Taylor matures in camp.

In three seasons at LSU, Taylor recorded 129 receptions for 1,308 receiving yards and six touchdowns. These numbers made him the most productive tight end in LSU history and one of the top players at his position in college football.

Taylor said that his family motto is to “stay where your feet are,” meaning to focus on the present. He recalled receiving a text from his father the night before training camp offering him advice.

Taylor described learning the playbook as a challenge, specifically focusing on the number of steps required in routes and correct positioning. He said that with help from coaches and teammates, he was learning the playbook quickly.

Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand said Taylor has shown growth and development in both the passing and running game. He stated that Taylor is on the path to becoming what the Jets expected and hoped he could be.

Kicker Nick Folk, who was on the Jets roster in 2010 with Jason Taylor, has re-signed with the team and is now teammates with Mason Taylor.

In addition to Taylor, running back Isaiah Davis was noted for his performance in the Jets’ Green vs. White scrimmage. With running back Braelon Allen on a snap count, Davis received extended reps. He ran through cornerback Michael Carter II to pick up a first down on the first offensive possession. Later in the scrimmage, he caught a 25-yard pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor down the sideline.

Davis is currently the third-string running back behind Breece Hall and Braelon Allen. Earlier in the offseason, the Jets were reportedly fielding trade offers for Hall.

Tyrod Taylor took first-team snaps while Fields was managing his toe injury. He is not expected to replace Fields but is considered a capable backup.

Defensive end Will McDonald IV has also received positive feedback during training camp. His performance has been noted despite most of the focus being on the competition to start next to Quinnen Williams on the defensive line interior.

Sports betting markets have adjusted based on developments in training camp. As of early August 2025, DraftKings listed the Jets at +25,000 to win Super Bowl LVIII. BetMGM listed them at +20,000. FanDuel listed the Jets at +19,000. Their odds to win the AFC were +10,000 and +1,800 to win the AFC East. Their odds of making the playoffs were +475.

Following Fields’ leg injury in late July, SportsBettingDime reported changes to several betting lines. The Jets’ win total shifted from Over 5.5 wins at –150 to –110 on both Over and Under. Their odds to make the playoffs moved from +500 to +630, and odds to win the Super Bowl shifted from +25,000 to +40,000.

Justin Fields’ individual MVP odds range from +10,000 to +20,000 depending on the sportsbook. His prop lines include approximately 2,550–2,650 passing yards, 14.5 passing touchdowns, about 650 rushing yards, and 5.5 rushing touchdowns.