New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn had a vision regarding who he wanted as his starting quarterback. So much so that despite middling results through his first four years, the team is willing to make him the starting quarterback in 2025.
Justin Fields signed a two-year deal worth $40 million to kick off free agency in early March. His contract – nearly a $20 million per-year average – showed the team at least appeared to be willing to give him the starting job without true competition.
Speaking at owner meetings in Florida Monday morning, Glenn made it clear that Fields may be the starter, but not everything can stay that way.
Aaron Glenn Addresses Jets’ QB1 Decision
It’s not uncommon for a new head coach to come into a new environment and state that every position will be under scrutiny and competition going into offseason workouts.
That’s what made it so interesting when Glenn and Mougey each defended their decision to make Fields the unquestioned starting quarterback of the Jets for at least the 2025 season.
“I think there’s more we can get out of him,” Glenn said. “(He has) Quiet confidence, you go back and watch him at Ohio State, he has a big arm…he understands how to run an offense. He’s a really intelligent person who knows football.”
Despite a clear plan in place to build around Fields, Glenn is looking to keep the quarterback on his toes.
A depth chart can be changed, after all.
“Just because you’re 1 on the depth chart, that’s all written in pencil,” Glenn said. “Just because he’s QB1 doesn’t mean Tyrod won’t be on his heels.”
In four seasons as a starting quarterback in the NFL, Fields is 14-30 as a starter and has completed just 61% of his passes with 45 passing touchdowns and 31 interceptions. While he has improved his completion percentage in each year as a starter, his deficiencies as a passer left both the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers looking for an upgrade in each of the last two years.
His skill set as a runner has always been elite, though. Fields has recorded over 2,500 yards on the ground and can add another dynamic to the Jets’ offense.
New York is banking on an offensive system led by offensive play-caller Tanner Engstrand and a culture led by Glenn to get the best out of Fields as he enters his fifth year in the league.
While limited competition may be coming for the former Ohio State product, the Jets are making it clear that their goals can certainly change if Fields doesn’t do a good enough job over the next few months.
