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Tyler Baron

Jets Sign First-Round T Armand Membou, Four Other Draftees

May 8th, 2025 at 9:04pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Jets have signed first-round offensive tackle Armand Membou to a four-year rookie contract worth $31.9MM, per a team announcement. Like all first-round picks, the deal is fully guaranteed and contains a fifth-year option for 2029.

Membou will likely take over the Jets’ starting right tackle job right away after Morgan Moses left New York in free agency this offseason. The Missouri product will face some competition from former Day 3 picks Carter Warren and Max Mitchell, but his three years of starting experience in the SEC and elite athleticism should help him adjust to the NFL quickly. With 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu set to take over at left tackle, the Jets are hoping they’ve found bookends to their offensive line for the foreseeable future.

The Jets also announced the signing of four other draft picks: third-rounder Azareye’h Thomas (No. 73), fourth-rounder Malachi Moore (No. 130) and fifth-rounders Francisco Mauigoa (No. 163) and Tyler Baron (No. 176).

Thomas brings even more talent to a Jets secondary that was already a team bright spot in 2024. The Florida State product is a long, physical corner who lacks elite athleticism or ball production. He doesn’t have slot versatility, so he will likely start behind Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens on the depth chart. Still, Thomas’ instincts and competitiveness will have him pushing for starting snaps quickly; in the meantime, his special teams experience will allow him to contribute from Day 1.

Moore brings plenty of experience in the slot from his time at Alabama, but he played some of his best football in 2024 as a free safety. He showed good range in coverage and a quick trigger against the run, though he has average size and athleticism. The Jets are set to start former UDFA Tony Adams and free agent signing Andre Cisco at safety in 2025, but neither are under contract past this season. Moore should be able to carve out a rotational role as a rookie with a clear shot at a starting job in 2026. Like Thomas, he has plenty of experience on special teams that will give him more opportunities to see the field.

Mauigoa led Miami’s defense in 2023 and 2024 and racked up 178 tackles (35 for loss). The 22-year-old is a durable, instinctive linebacker who will need to work on getting off blocks and consistently tackling ballcarriers in the NFL. He’ll have time to do that in an experienced Jets linebacker room while he plays special teams as a rookie.

Baron, who played with Mauigoa in 2024, is an explosive edge rusher with 21.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks across his final two college seasons. He has an enticing frame with long arms and a burgeoning understanding of how to use them to beat blocks. The NFL will test Baron’s ability to set the edge against the run and add more power to his game. The Jets’ pair of 2022 first-round edge defenders – Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson – profile as the team’s starters for the foreseeable future, but Baron could grow into a rotational pass rusher with more potential if he grows as a run defender.

The Jets have two draft picks who have yet to sign their rookie contracts: second-round tight end Mason Taylor and fourth-round wide receiver Arian Smith. Here is a full list of their 2025 draft class:

Jets Add No. 176, Draft DE Tyler Baron

April 26th, 2025 at 2:46pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets have moved up 10 spots in the order, swinging a deal with the Ravens in the process. New York has added pick No. 176 along with a 2026 sixth-round selection. Baltimore acquires No. 186 along with a fifth-rounder next year (h/t ESPN’s Jamison Hensley).

With pick No. 176, the Jets have selected Miami edge rusher Tyler Baron. The five-year senior spent the first four seasons of his college tenure at Tennessee. That stretch included a starting role in 2023 which resulted in a career-high six sacks.

Last year, Baron transferred to the Hurricanes and started nine of his 13 games with the team. The 23-year-old led Miami with 5.5 sacks and he set a new career-high with 11 tackles for loss. Those figures helped earn him honorable mention All-ACC honors.

As things stand, this selection represents the final pick of the draft for New York. The regime now led by general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn could of course add new picks for 2025, but for now the team has brought in seven rookies. Baron is the only one who will add depth along the defensive line.

The Jets have former first-rounders Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald in place along the edge. As expected the team will pick up Johnson’s 2026 fifth-year option ensuring that tandem remains in place for at least two more years. Baron will spend the offseason aiming to compete for a rotational role as part of New York’s edge rush group.