The New York Jets’ latest regime is moving forward with a new quarterback.
Out is future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers after two calamitous and drama-filled seasons. In is former first-round pick Justin Fields after leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 4-2 record before he was benched for Russell Wilson.
The Jets saw enough of Fields to sign him to a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. With the Steelers, Fields completed 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns to one interception. He also rushed for 289 yards and another five scores, showcasing the dual-threat ability that once made him a prized prospect.
This will be the third team in three seasons for Fields, whom the Chicago Bears selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. In 38 starts with Chicago, Fields went 10-28 and was sacked a whopping 135 times behind a lackluster offensive line. The Bears moved on from Fields after the 2023 season and took Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 draft. Chicago shipped Fields to the Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Since Fields is only signed to a two-year deal, it doesn’t seem like the Jets are viewing him as a franchise quarterback as they hold the seventh-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Will New York search for a quarterback with their first-round selection?
Team insider provides insight on New York Jets QB plans
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, it appears the Jets will go a different direction with their first-round pick and most likely take a quarterback either on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.
“The addition of Fields does not preclude them from drafting a quarterback. If their conviction is strong enough, they could take one at any point in the draft, even in the first round if Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) slips to them at No. 7. But chances are they wouldn’t take the QB plunge until Day 2 or even Day 3,” Cimini reports. “The beauty of Fields’ contract (two years, $40 million) is that it’s essentially a one-year commitment for $30 million. The Jets can reevaluate next offseason.”
Potential later-round quarterbacks the Jets could target include Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart (if he doesn’t climb into the first round), Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (pictured above), Texas’ Quinn Ewers, and Ohio State’s Will Howard. This strategy would give the Jets both an immediate starter with upside in Fields while developing a prospect who won’t face immediate pressure to perform.