New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields is entering what could be his final opportunity to prove he can be a reliable NFL starter, and early signs from the practice field are promising.
NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger, who attended last Thursday’s OTA practice, praised Fields for his play at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ
“He looked exceptionally fast,” Baldinger said. “He was on the move quite a bit and threw well on the move. You saw him basically piercing the Jets’ defense routinely. I thought he threw the ball well on the run. He took all the No. 1 repetitions with the starting offense. They used him in a variety of ways, but running the ball, he stood out.”
Fields, once a top prospect in the 2021 NFL draft, is now looking to reset his career in New York. Initially bypassed by the Jets at No. 2 overall in favor of Zach Wilson, Fields landed with the Chicago Bears at No. 11.
Four years and two teams later, the former Ohio State star is on his third NFL roster. He signed a two-year deal worth up to $40 million ($30 million guaranteed) this offseason to become the Jets’ starting quarterback.
Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, Fields made six starts for Mike Tomlin, posting a 4-2 record while throwing for 1,106 yards, 5 touchdowns, and an interception on 65.8% passing before being replaced by veteran Russell Wilson.
Now in the Green and White, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are taking a calculated risk on the 26-year-old’s potential.
If Justin Fields can grow as a passer this summer, he has the tools to become the New York Jets’ long-term answer under center.