The New York Jets abruptly cut ties with defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III this week. It didn’t take long for him to find a new NFL home. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero shared on social media that Taylor signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad.
### Jets Fans Aren’t Pleased With How Things Turned Out
“Well, this blows,” The Jet Press posted on social media. One Jets fan expressed frustration, writing, “I don’t know how this doesn’t piss you off 😡😡😡 #JetUP.” Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News also reacted to the news with a simple, “Of course.”
### Taylor Is Brimming With NFL Upside
The former Miami product wasn’t overlooked in the 2024 NFL Draft due to a lack of talent. The issue was consistency in his performance. According to analyst Dane Brugler, Taylor has a “sky-high missed tackle rate and leaves production on the field.”
Coming out of high school, Taylor was a five-star recruit. In the 2021 recruiting class, he was the No. 3 recruit in Florida, behind only JC Latham and Dallas Turner, and ranked No. 11 nationally. Both Latham and Turner later became first-round NFL draft picks.
Brugler further noted Taylor’s physical attributes and potential: “Picturesque frame with long arms and room for additional mass. Flashes juice in lower body with an explosive get-off. Plays balanced on his feet with the shoulder/body flexibility to maneuver through tight spaces. Flashes the semblance of pass-rush transitions and should get better with continued coaching (see 2023 Temple tape).”
### Jets Better Hope Their Evaluation Was Right
At 23 years old, Taylor showed glimpses of the first-round talent he was once considered during his college career. As a rookie in 2024, the former Miami standout posted four quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and four tackles for loss.
However, the Jets underwent a coaching staff overhaul during the offseason, meaning Taylor had to prove his worth all over again. He managed to crack the 53-man roster and was expected to be a key part of the defensive tackle rotation.
That changed when general manager Darren Mougey added new pieces late in the offseason. Mougey acquired veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips from the Minnesota Vikings and then traded for Jowon Briggs from the Cleveland Browns. These unexpected moves limited playing time and roles for the incumbent defensive tackles, including Taylor, making him expendable.
Taylor was a healthy scratch in four of the first six games of the season, unable to get on the field and showcase his abilities. Now, he’s off the Jets’ roster — but with a bitter division rival.
### A Rivalry Renewed
The Jets will hope their initial evaluation of Taylor was accurate. If he starts performing well for the Patriots and makes his mark against the Jets twice a year, Jets fans won’t let them forget it.
The rivalry between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots runs deep, with numerous players switching sides over the years. Leonard Taylor III now has a chance to add a fresh chapter to that ongoing story.
Starting on the Patriots’ practice squad, Taylor will aim to work his way onto New England’s 53-man roster and make an impact in what is sure to be a fiercely competitive division.
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