New York Jets Officially Sign Fifth-Round Pick Tyler Baron, Eyeing Defensive Impact from the Former Tennessee Vols Edge Rusher
The New York Jets took another step in finalizing their 2025 rookie class by officially signing fifth-round draft pick Tyler Baron, a former Tennessee Volunteers standout edge rusher. The deal brings into the fold a player long praised for his motor, leadership, and steady development over a college career spent primarily in the Southeastern Conference. Now, Baron enters the NFL with high expectations to contribute to Robert Saleh’s defense, a unit that has become the team’s calling card over the past several seasons.
Selected with the No. 161 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Baron represents both a high-upside gamble and a well-rounded insurance policy for a defensive line room that remains one of the most important components of New York’s identity. With his contract now finalized, Baron is expected to join the Jets for rookie minicamp, OTAs, and the broader summer program with a chance to compete for rotational snaps from day one.
Baron’s college career at Tennessee saw steady progress, capped by a breakout final season in which he posted 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound pass rusher was a key figure for the Volunteers’ defense, often asked to hold the edge, push the pocket, and contribute in run support. Baron’s blend of size, experience, and SEC-tested toughness made him an intriguing Day 3 selection for New York, which was actively seeking young depth behind its proven core of defensive linemen.
For Jets general manager Joe Douglas, the pick is a continuation of a clear strategy: build from the trenches. In recent drafts, the Jets have invested heavily in their defensive front, adding players like Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV in earlier rounds. Baron enters a room filled with talent but also with opportunities. With players like Carl Lawson having departed in recent offseasons and rotational needs growing late in games, Baron may find himself on the field sooner than later.
What makes Baron an appealing addition is his versatility. Though he primarily played as a defensive end in Tennessee’s 4-3 scheme, he’s also shown flashes of skill when asked to stand up and rush from the outside linebacker spot. That hybrid potential suits the Jets’ flexible defensive approach, which prioritizes getting to the quarterback without needing to blitz. Baron’s long arms, effective hand usage, and strong base give him the tools to be a contributor in those situations, particularly on passing downs.
Baron’s journey to the NFL has been anything but easy. A former four-star recruit out of Knoxville Catholic High School, he had to fight for his snaps early in his career before earning a more prominent role under head coach Josh Heupel. Over his final two seasons, Baron’s play became more consistent, and he matured into a respected leader among his peers. Scouts noted his high football IQ and locker-room presence during the pre-draft process, traits the Jets have consistently prioritized in their selections.
The Jets’ coaching staff has already praised Baron’s work ethic and film-study habits. While he may not be counted on immediately to log major snap counts, Baron has a clear developmental path within the system. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is known for developing edge talent, and the opportunity to rotate Baron in behind veterans like John Franklin-Myers and Micheal Clemons offers him a realistic chance to grow while contributing situationally.
Baron’s fit with the Jets also extends to special teams, where many late-round picks carve out early roles. Given his size, athleticism, and experience in multiple alignments, Baron could be a valuable asset on coverage units. It’s a role that might serve as a springboard to increased defensive responsibility as the season progresses. More importantly, the Jets’ willingness to emphasize depth on the defensive line points to a clear plan for how Baron can evolve into a long-term piece.
As far as the contract is concerned, Baron signed a standard four-year rookie deal consistent with the NFL’s slotting system for fifth-round picks. While the financial terms are modest compared to the league’s stars, the deal represents a major milestone for a player who worked tirelessly to reach the NFL and now finds himself part of a defense with serious aspirations. The Jets, having fallen short of playoff expectations in recent years, are betting on their defense to lead a turnaround—and Baron is now a small but significant part of that puzzle.
Baron’s addition also reflects a broader trend in the Jets’ 2025 draft strategy. With offense-heavy early rounds dominated by quarterback-heavy picks and pass-catching talent, the Jets waited patiently to add to their defense. Baron was the first defensive front player taken by New York in this year’s draft, which underscores the team’s confidence in both his potential and his readiness to contribute. Given how many fifth-round picks fail to make active rosters, Baron will be eager to prove he can be the exception.
Training camp will be critical for the rookie. He’ll have to compete against a deep and physically imposing defensive line group, and with few guaranteed reps available, every snap will matter. Coaches will be watching his technique, motor, and ability to absorb the complex playbook. Baron’s adaptability could give him an edge. If he shows he can effectively play both on the edge and occasionally kick inside on third-down packages, his value to the defense increases tenfold.
New York’s defensive identity under Robert Saleh has always emphasized aggression, athleticism, and disruption. Baron, with his power-based game and steady production in one of college football’s toughest conferences, checks a lot of those boxes. He won’t need to be a star right away. Instead, the Jets are banking on him to be a dependable piece who can grow into a reliable role, much like several of their recent mid- and late-round defensive picks.
Off the field, Baron brings the kind of maturity and accountability NFL teams crave. He’s spoken openly about his growth at Tennessee, both as a player and a person. His coaches raved about his commitment to film study and his willingness to be coached hard. These qualities bode well for his ability to transition to the professional level, where the margin for error shrinks and the expectations rise.
Fans of the Jets will get their first look at Baron in green and white during rookie minicamp and preseason action. His performances there will go a long way in determining whether he begins the year on the active 53-man roster or develops from the practice squad. Either way, Baron is entering a system designed to give young defenders the tools to thrive, and he appears poised to make the most of the opportunity.
In the end, Tyler Baron’s signing isn’t about headline-grabbing fireworks. It’s about adding the kind of dependable, hard-nosed, team-first player who can help build a winner over time. The Jets are quietly assembling a corps of gritty defenders, and Baron has every chance to be part of that group for years to come. For now, his journey is just beginning, but with the ink dry on his contract and the grind of camp ahead, Tyler Baron is officially a New York Jet—ready to make his mark on Sundays.
