NFL2 hours ago2 minute read

New York Jets Turn Tight End Position Into a Major Weapon

The New York Jets are using a unique multi-tight end system to confuse defenses, led by rookie first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq.

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A New Look in New York

The New York Jets used to have one of the worst tight end groups in football. From 2016 to 2025, the team ranked near the bottom of the league in catches, yards, and touchdowns at the position. Now, things are changing. Under new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, the Jets are built to run a tight end heavy offense.

During their 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans, the Jets put their new plan on display. They used multiple tight ends on 27 of their 63 plays. That included both of their touchdowns. They even ran a play in the third quarter with four tight ends on the field at the same time. Quarterback Geno Smith said he had never seen anything like it in his 14 seasons.

Sadiq's Big Debut

Rookie Kenyon Sadiq is the player making this system work. The Jets drafted him with the 16th overall pick this spring. Sadiq missed most of his offseason workouts and training camp after undergoing hernia surgery. Still, he made an instant impact in his first game.

Sadiq scored a touchdown on a three yard run, getting key blocks from fellow tight ends Jeremy Ruckert and Mason Taylor. On the play, Sadiq reached a top speed of 20.08 miles per hour. That tied him for the fastest max speed on a rushing touchdown by a tight end since tracking began in 2016. He also became the first tight end since Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome in 1978 to score a rushing touchdown in his debut.

Building a Versatile Group

The Jets kept four tight ends on their roster this year. Along with Sadiq, Taylor, and Ruckert, they have Jelani Woods, who made the team after a strong training camp. Coach Aaron Glenn likes what he sees from the group. "I think that room is a weapon for us," Glenn said.

While the tight ends only caught six passes for 23 yards in the opener, their blocking and movement opened up the rest of the offense. The Jets ran 11 plays using three tight ends, a major increase from previous years. Opponents will have to spend a lot of time preparing for these unusual formations.

What it means for the next game

Green Bay Packers at New York Jets (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): New York Jets win 33%, Green Bay Packers win 67%; projected score New York Jets 20, Green Bay Packers 25. Our safest pick: Packers to win.