Another day, another quarterback linked to the New York Jets.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Jets are a “sleeper option” to sign Justin Fields.
“They like the idea of a dual-threat quarterback. He’s younger. I’m told Fields has looked at that roster, sees some intrigue there, too,” Fowler said on SportsCenter.
Still, Fowler threw out the caveat that Fields “wants a clean runway to start a full season. He would like to be the guy wherever he goes.” He also stated that the Steelers are interested in a reunion with Fields.
It is unsurprising to hear the Jets linked with Fields. Outside of Sam Darnold, whose return to New York would be unlikely for a variety of reasons, Fields is likely the most intriguing free-agent quarterback remaining on the market.
Although he has never lived up to his No. 11 overall draft billing, he is still young (he’ll be 26 in March), has incredible rushing upside, and cut down on his turnovers in 2024. That’s usually enough to give a quarterback a chance to compete for a starting job, particularly in a year with a weak quarterback draft class.
However, would the Jets really be willing to hand Fields the keys to the car? Even if they choose to go the bridge quarterback route, they already have an option for that role in Tyrod Taylor. The fact that the Steelers went with the aging Russell Wilson over Fields last season says something about the cap on Fields’ abilities.
Still, there is the question of whether any team would make Fields their definitive starter. There are many other quarterback-needy teams, including the Titans, Giants, Raiders, Browns, Steelers, and Colts. But would any of those teams pencil Fields in as their starter without bringing in some competition?
Another possible obstacle is Fields’ salary requirements. The Jets likely don’t want to spend much money on a stopgap option after absorbing Aaron Rodgers’ dead cap hit ($14 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026, assuming a post-June 1 release). Fields made just $3.2 million in 2024 after his trade from Chicago to Pittsburgh, but if he wants a starter job, he’s unlikely to take such a low salary again. How much would the Jets be willing to pay for him?
Expect to hear Fields linked to the Jets more often as free agency approaches. He’s a younger bridge option with more potential than Tyrod Taylor, making him a logical fit. He’ll be just one of many names connected to the Jets in the days and weeks to come.
