The New York Jets had high hopes for Aaron Rodgers when they traded for him prior to the 2023 season. Unfortunately, those hopes went up in flames when Rodgers ruptured his Achilles during the Jets’ fourth offensive snap of their Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills.
After things didn’t work out with Rodgers, the Jets moved on from him and signed Justin Fields. The Jets are hoping they can do something the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers failed to do: tap into why Fields was a first-round pick in 2021.
Will the Jets Be Able To Do What Other Teams Haven’t With Justin Fields?
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who is now an ESPN analyst, was asked on the “NFL on ESPN” about Fields, who recently showed up for New York’s OTAs. He was asked what is the biggest question facing the Jets as this new season kicks off.
“How they use Justin Fields, their quarterback,” explained Orlovsky. “Because Tanner Engstrand, who’s their new offensive coordinator in New York, comes from Detroit. What’s the offense going to look like? What’s the mixture of schematics they’re going to put together? Because here’s the reality, Justin Fields, since 2021, averages six yards per carry. That’s only behind Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels.
So you absolutely want to utilize that skillset, but that’s not necessarily something that this offensive coordinator saw, certainly with Jared Goff in Detroit. So what is going to be the mixture offense scheme philosophy-wise with the athlete that Justin Fields is, but also the plenty capable thrower of the football as a quarterback? Can they find that perfect marriage?”
Fields was able to step up and start the first six games of the season for the Steelers while Russell Wilson was nursing a calf injury. Many felt that he played the best football of his career during that time. He got Pittsburgh off to a 4-2 start before being replaced.
PFSN’s QB+ metric graded Fields a C+ for those six games. He didn’t play enough to truly fit into the rankings but was graded because there were questions over the Steelers’ decision.
The Jets gave Fields a $40 million contract, which signals QB1 to most, but there are questions about his ability to keep the job. He will be joining Tyrod Taylor, who was signed by the Jets prior to the 2024 season to back up Rodgers.
Taylor has spent 15 seasons in the league, primarily as a backup, but like Fields, he has flashed hot and cold over the years. He will be looking for his shot just like he did with Rodgers.
Fields should count himself very lucky to get a third shot at being a starting quarterback. Most players in his position would find themselves relegated to the role of career backup after failing with more than one team. The former Ohio State standout seems to have one more shot to prove to the league that he can consistently lead a team. However, are the Jets the team that can help him do that?