After signing a two-year contract worth up to $40 million with $30 million guaranteed, the New York Jets have their new starting quarterback in Justin Fields.
But why did he choose New York in free agency?
When asked by reporters what appealed to him about the Jets that made him want to go there, Fields cited Aaron Glenn’s passion and coaching style as driving factors in his decision to sign with the team.
“I’ve played AG multiple times while I was in Chicago and he was in Detroit, so I know his passion for the game, I know how he coaches his players. I know kind of his mentality with the game of football,” Fields said of his new head coach.
“I’m excited to get rolling into that and him being able to utilize the players that we have, and just having them do things that fit their game.”
Fields, selected 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, began last season as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback before being benched after six games. During that stretch, the 26-year-old led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record, throwing for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns and one interception while completing 66.3% of his passes. He also added 231 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries.
Fields saw limited action after losing the starting job, appearing in just 12 offensive snaps the rest of the year. Over this span, he had one pass attempt and 58 rushing yards on seven attempts.
Having coached against him in the NFC North, Glenn is well aware of Fields’ dynamic athletic ability from his time as the Lions’ defensive coordinator from 2021-24. During his time in Chicago, Fields played five games against Glenn’s Lions (2-3 record).
Across these five matchups, Glenn held Fields down in the passing game, holding him to five touchdown passes, three interceptions, a 57% completion rate, and just 843 passing yards. However, Fields gave Detroit fits on the ground, rushing 56 times for 450 yards (8.0 yards per attempt) and three touchdowns.
With Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey betting on his athleticism and potential, Fields will look to reignite his career and prove he can be a long-term answer under center for Gang Green.
Based on his comments to the media, it is clear that the faith shown in him by the Jets’ regime – particularly Glenn – is a major reason why he chose to come to New York.
