Patriots Immediately Sign Talented Jets 23-Year-Old Castoff
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.
“I don’t know how this doesn’t piss you off 😡😡😡 #JetUP,” a Jets fan responded.
“Of course,” Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News reacted to the news.
Taylor Is Brimming With NFL Upside
The former Miami product didn’t go undrafted in 2024 due to a lack of talent. Bluntly, he didn’t show consistency in his performance.
“Sky-high missed tackle rate and leaves production on the field … Uneven production and performance,” Dane Brugler wrote in “The Beast” via The Athletic.
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 JC Latham and Dallas Turner). He was the No. 11 recruit nationally,” Brugler revealed.
Latham and Turner ended up being future first-round draft choices in the NFL.
“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),” Brugler highlighted.
Jets Better Hope Their Evaluation Was Right
Taylor, 23, showed flashes with the Jets of the player who was considered first-round worthy at points during his college career.
The former Miami product collected four quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and four tackles for loss as a rookie in 2024. During the offseason, the Jets flipped coaching staffs, which meant that Taylor had to prove himself again.
Taylor cracked the 53-man roster and figured to be a key piece of the rotation at defensive tackle. However, right before the season, general manager Darren Mougey brought in some hired guns.
Mougey struck a deal with the Minnesota Vikings for proven veteran big man Harrison Phillips. Then he struck another trade to acquire another defensive tackle: Jowon Briggs from the Cleveland Browns.
Those unexpected new pieces stole roles and reps from the other defensive tackles that were already on the Jets roster.
That ultimately made Taylor expendable. In four of the first six games of the season, Taylor was a healthy scratch. He couldn’t even get on the field to strut his stuff.
Now he’s off the team but now with a bitter rival. The Jets better hope they did their evaluation correctly. If Taylor starts popping with a division rival and shoves it in the Jets’ face twice a year, they will never hear the end of it.
The Jets and Patriots have a long, storied rivalry with players switching sides over the years. Taylor has a chance to add another chapter to that story. He will start off on the Patriots’ practice squad with a chance to eventually join the team’s 53-
Steelers ignite trade frenzy, target Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers ahead of NFL deadline!
Steelers Pursue Jakobi Meyers as NFL Trade Deadline Approaches
As the NFL trade deadline looms on November 4, the Pittsburgh Steelers have turned their attention to bolstering their receiving corps. The team has been frequently linked to Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, as well as New Orleans Saints standout Chris Olave, amid a flurry of trade speculation.
Meyers: A Trade Waiting to Happen
Jakobi Meyers has been at the center of trade discussions since the offseason, partly due to his reported desire for a move after failing to secure a contract extension with the Raiders. Given the current state of affairs in Las Vegas, with the team holding a disappointing 2-4 record, it seems plausible that Meyers could be traded to avoid losing him for nothing when his contract expires in 2026.
The Raiders, facing dwindling playoff hopes, might be inclined to offload Meyers, especially if they adopt a seller’s mentality as the deadline approaches. With a talented roster but limited success this season, the franchise’s focus may shift toward rebuilding rather than holding onto players who are on the verge of free agency.
Saints in a Rebuilding Mode
On the other hand, the Saints find themselves in a more precarious position, sitting at 1-5. In this context, Chris Olave emerges as one of their most valuable trade assets. The Saints are in dire need of a rebuild, and moving Olave could net them a significant return, potentially a Day 2 draft pick. However, recent reports suggest that New Orleans is actively trying to extend Olave’s contract, complicating the likelihood of a trade.
Despite his name circulating in trade rumors, the Saints appear committed to keeping Olave as a cornerstone for their future. He is under contract through 2026 and, at just 25 years old, fits well into their long-term plans, especially as they develop two young quarterbacks.
Steelers Eyeing Potential Acquisitions
While both Meyers and Olave present appealing options for the Steelers, Meyers seems to be the more attainable target. Reports indicate that the Raiders are “open” to trading their leading receiver, while simultaneously exploring trades for defensive players.
Should Pittsburgh pursue Meyers, it would mark a significant upgrade for their offense. Over his career, Meyers has maintained steady production, with four seasons exceeding 800 yards and a career-best 1,000-yard season in 2024. Despite facing subpar quarterback play throughout much of his career, a connection with a seasoned quarterback like Aaron Rodgers could unlock Meyers’ full potential.
A Strategic Move for the Steelers
For Steelers general manager Omar Khan, acquiring Meyers before the deadline would be a notable achievement, potentially enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities alongside existing talent such as DK Metcalf. While Olave remains the more attractive target due to his age and upside, Meyers is no slouch and could significantly bolster Pittsburgh’s receiving game.
As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, all eyes will be on the Steelers’ next move, and whether they can solidify their roster for a playoff push.
