After bidding farewell to Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets made a significant move on the first day of the free-agent negotiating period by securing former Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Justin Fields. The 26-year-old Fields, who was a first-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021, has agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets, including $30 million in guarantees.
Fields is expected to be the Jets’ starting quarterback for the upcoming season, ahead of backup Tyrod Taylor. However, this contract is not a long-term commitment, and the Jets could look to add another quarterback in the 2025 draft.
Short-Term Commitment with Potential for Future Evaluation
The Jets’ decision to bring Fields on board indicates a shift in their quarterback plans. While Fields is set to start the 2024 season, this deal only covers the next two years, allowing the Jets to reassess the position after the 2025 season.
With the possibility of selecting a quarterback in the upcoming draft, the Jets can take the time to evaluate Fields’ performance while keeping future options open. This move comes as part of the team’s efforts to build a competitive roster under new general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn.
Justin Fields (NFL)One notable aspect of Fields’ signing is his reunion with wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who was his teammate at Ohio State for two seasons (2019-2020). The Jets hope this chemistry will help their offense thrive as they look to build a strong connection between the quarterback and his top receiver. Alongside Fields and Wilson, the quarterback depth chart will include Tyrod Taylor, who will remain a backup, and 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis, who missed the previous season due to a leg injury.
Fields’ Journey to the Jets and Previous Success
Fields’ move to the Jets comes after a year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, following a trade from the Chicago Bears. In his short stint with the Steelers, Fields started six games in the 2024 season while Russell Wilson recovered from an injury.
Fields showed impressive form, leading Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record in those games. He completed 65.8% of his passes and threw five touchdowns to just one interception, in addition to contributing 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Despite being relegated to a backup role after Wilson returned, Fields showcased his dual-threat ability and potential.
Fields’ arrival in New York comes at a time when the Jets are facing roster changes. The team lost four important contributors on the same day, including right tackle Morgan Moses to the New England Patriots, cornerback D.J. Reed to the Detroit Lions, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to the Washington Commanders, and linebacker Haason Reddick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
These departures could create challenges for the Jets as they build around Fields, but the quarterback’s addition represents a hopeful step toward a new era for the team.