After a well-documented, impressive training camp, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton continued his successful offseason into the preseason. With a big start to the year, he could be looking at a big role in the team’s offense this season.
Tipton got off to a hot start in his second season, proving that he deserved a roster spot. The former undrafted free agent out of Yale put on a show each time he hit the field, showcasing his consistency.
Head coach Kellen Moore is one of many who have witnessed his development firsthand. The first-year head coach has been impressed with how Tipton has handled himself, eventually leading to giving him a spot on the 53-man roster.
“We just think the world of [Tipton],” Moore said. “He’s progressing in such an awesome way. Like any of these guys, when you take advantage of opportunities, more come your way, and he’s just following that trend line.”
Tipton’s Preseason Explosion
In the Saints’ first game of the preseason, Mason Tipton showed off his ability to stretch the field. The 24-year-old hauled in a 56-yard touchdown from Tyler Shough, taking the top off the Los Angeles Chargers defense.
After appearing in all three preseason games, Tipton finished with the fifth-most receiving yards in the NFL. His mark of 158 came from a few standout performances, truly showing his camp success wasn’t a fluke.
The highlight of his preseason was a 100-yard game on six receptions in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tipton had a tough play resulting in an interception that he bounced back from, making up for his mistake and then some.
“[Tipton’s] just done a phenomenal job since the first day we all got here collectively as a staff,” Moore said postgame of preseason Week 2. “To see what he just continues to do day in and day out, his work ethic, his habits. He made a bunch of big plays. It felt like when we needed a play, he was there.”
What His Role Looks Like Moving Forward
After making the 53-man roster, it’s clear Mason Tipton’s impressive offseason paid off. He’s now part of a deep wide receiver room with the Saints, hoping to solidify a role to regularly see the field.
Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are both returning from injuries that caused them each to miss time in 2024. Brandin Cooks is entering his age-31 season, and is fresh off a down year. Tipton’s health and youth could prove to give him more playing time than expected this season.
In limited action last year, Tipton caught 14 passes on 26 targets for 99 yards. The wideout is hoping all the hard work he put in over the course of the offseason helps lead to a breakout year at the NFL level in year two.
“It’s just comfortability,” Tipton said. “Just having some growth for me from year one to year two. I’m more confident as a player. I know what to expect, I know the ins and outs and the day-to-day of everything. It just allows me to play more free.”
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