The New York Jets have signed their first rookie from this year’s draft class. The team officially signed 16th overall pick Kenyon Sadiq to a rookie deal. Sadiq signs with the Jets for a four-year deal worth $22.3 million, fully guaranteed. After becoming a force on the Oregon Ducks offense, the Jets expect big things from Kenyon Sadiq. While listed as a tight end, the Jets are likely to copy Oregon’s playbook by having him line up all over the field.
The New York Jets are looking to vastly diversify their offense this season. While they finished within the top ten in rushing yards, they finished with the worst passing game in the league. Even though they will need help from others, Kenyon Sadiq provides the Jets with a versatile offensive weapon.
Kenyon Sadiq the First Jets Rookie to Sign Contract
The Jets have signed the first of their three first-round picks — TE Kenyon Sadiq. It’s a four-year contract for about $22.3M, fully guaranteed, plus a fifth-year option. #Jets pic.twitter.com/VvLtNVzkFc
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 8, 2026
After finishing 3-14 in 2025, the Jets needed to bring some new energy into 2026. While they moved on from both their offensive and defensive coordinators, head coach Aaron Glenn was retained. The ex-cornerback knows his job is on the line, so he needed to leave no stone unturned. Both he & general manager Darren Mougey expect their defense to perform better with Glenn returning to play-calling duties. However, what about the offense? Well, that responsibility falls on the shoulders of new offensive coordinator Frank Reich. The ex-head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers is back in the NFL, hoping to stabilize the team’s offense.
The return of quarterback Geno Smith has fans optimistic that he can do better than last year’s quarterback, Justin Fields. However, Smith alone can’t solve all their problems. As a result, Mougey left the draft with two promising first-round picks to help. After selecting edge rusher David Bailey second overall, the Jets used their second first-round pick to select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. The Oregon star was providing highlight plays galore the last two seasons. The Jets hope Sadiq can turn into a dynamic receiving threat that can elevate their offense.
Kenyon Sadiq profile…
4.39s forty ➡️ same as Jonathan Taylor
113" broad jump ➡️ same as Dez Bryant
43.5" vert ➡️ 0.5" higher than Vince Carter
6'3 ➡️ same as Julio Jones
241lbs ➡️ same as LeGarrette Blount
23.2 MPH ➡️ same as Jahmyr Gibbs
FREAK ATHLETE pic.twitter.com/1vfqvJrsqa
— Underdog (@Underdog) February 28, 2026
Meet the New Jets Tight End, Kenyon Sadiq
A native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kenyon Sadiq committed to Oregon in August of 2022. As a four-star recruit, Sadiq was the number one recruit in the state. After limited action in his freshman year, Sadiq became featured more in 2024. Behind future Los Angeles Rams second-round pick Terrance Ferguson, Sadiq finished tied for sixth in catches with 24 for 308 yards and two touchdowns. However, it was his junior year when Sadiq made his presence known.
With new starting quarterback Dante Moore, the Oregon Ducks lined Sadiq up all over the field. In-line, outside, in the slot, etc. In fact, Sadiq even lined up in the backfield a few times. However, he was most effective in the slot, finishing second to Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick wide receiver Makai Lemon in touchdowns from the slot. Through 14 games, Sadiq finished 2025 with 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. The 21-year-old tight end’s best game this season came against Minnesota in an eight-catch, 96-yard performance, including a three-yard touchdown catch. After wowing scouts with his combine performance, the 6’3″, 245lbs tight end has a great build and showcased explosive athleticism at the NFL Combine.
Kenyon Sadiq goes #16 to the Jets.
Sadiq's 2025 Highlights: pic.twitter.com/HZShetlQcR
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) April 24, 2026
Kenyon Sadiq’s Fit In The Jets Offense
On draft night, some analysts were confused by the selection. With USC wide receiver Makai Lemon on the board, many thought the Jets would opt for the Fred Biletnikoff winner. But there’s a reason the Jets opted for the Second-team All-American instead. The New York Jets were desperate for receiving help. While the team has star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, the room was thin behind him. Adding Sadiq gives New York a playmaker with size who should complement the Jets star well.
One area that needs clarification is how it affects last year’s second-round pick, Mason Taylor. The former LSU Tiger performed well, despite suffering a neck injury that forced him to miss the final four games of the season. Despite a rotating door at quarterback, Taylor finished the year with 44 catches on 65 targets for 369 yards and a touchdown. That includes 23 of his 44 catches resulting in first downs. While Sadiq and fellow first-round pick, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., will cut into targets, Taylor and Sadiq can coexist.
Jets have the Personnel in Place to aid Sadiq’s development
Even though Sadiq is listed as a tight end, he lacks the weight of being a traditional inline tight end compared to Taylor(6’5″, 251lbs). Sadiq operates as more of a large wide receiver. While he will need more experience lining up on the outside, that’s manageable.
Especially with offensive coordinator Frank Reich. While mainly associated with his development of quarterbacks, Reich has worked with some great tight ends in the past. Including Hall of Famer Antonio Gates and Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz. Along with Reich, quarterback Geno Smith targeted tight end Brock Bowers over 80 times last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Paired with a veteran offensive coordinator and quarterback, the Jets have a decent foundation in place to help Kenyon Sadiq off to a great start.
Main Photo: [Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard] – Imagn Images