The New York Jets made headlines again this offseason — but this time, they aren’t about Aaron Rodgers; he’s the Pittsburgh Steelers’ thorn now. This time, the headlines are about swinging for the fences with a $40 million commitment to quarterback Justin Fields. And if you ask newly minted head coach Aaron Glenn, the investment is more than justified.
Justin Fields Has ‘Quiet Confidence’ About Him
“He has a quiet confidence about himself,” Glenn said during a March 31 press conference at the NFL owners’ meetings. That’s something Jets fans have been dying to hear after years of uncertainty at quarterback.
Fields, who had flashes of brilliance in Chicago, never quite got the support he needed — offensive line help, weapons, or consistent coaching. But after a brief stop in Pittsburgh and now a fresh start in New York and a coach who believes in him, the stage could be set for a breakout.
Aaron Glenn on Justin Fields:
"He has a quiet confidence about himself… He can really throw the deep ball really, really well. Obviously, his legs are something that's dynamic not just in college but the NFL as well. I just think he's ready to break out as a top-notch… pic.twitter.com/tmyitxHZX2
— Dylan (@nyjetsfansonly) March 30, 2025
“He can really throw the deep ball really, really well,” Glenn continued. “Obviously, his legs are something that’s dynamic not just in college but the NFL as well.”
Fields + Jets = Perfect Match of Style and Scheme?
Fields wasn’t drafted to dink and dunk. The guy thrives on explosive plays, whether launching the ball 60 yards downfield or taking off for a 30-yard scramble. That’s exactly what Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand hope to tap into.
“Obviously, we want him to utilize his legs, but we also want him to play quarterback,” Glenn said, matter-of-factly. “This offseason, we’re gonna allow him, during OTAs, to go out there and run an offense. We’re gonna make sure we surround him with the right people to make him successful.”
The Jets have four-year receiver Garrett Wilson but lost three-time All-Pro Davante Adams to the Los Angeles Rams. Running back Breece Hall, heading into the final year of his rookie contract, can also add a dimension to the offense as a pass-catcher. Fields must build chemistry with his squad early, especially on those deep shots Glenn raved about, for things to heat up in the Meadowlands.
“He’s a dynamic player. I think there’s more we can get out [of him] and I’m looking forward to that … I do think he brings a dimension to this game that a lot of people are trying to create around this league that we can take advantage of.”
If the Jets want Fields, 26, to play quarterback and not running back, they must do something to address their offensive line woes. Gang Green boasted one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines in 2024, bottoming out at No. 26 in PFSN’s OL+ metrics.
Fields Has the Tools — Now It’s About Putting It All Together
“I just think he’s ready to break out as a top-notch quarterback,” Glenn added. Bold? Definitely. But it’s not just coach-speak. Glenn is known around the league as a straight shooter, and he didn’t leave a successful tenure in Detroit to come to New York to play it safe.
The key now is unlocking Fields’ full potential. We’ve seen moments, but consistency is what’s been missing.
Fields’ NFL journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but the talent has always been there.
In three seasons with the Chicago Bears, Fields started 38 games and threw for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. Not exactly eye-popping through the air, but remember — he wasn’t exactly working with a Pro Bowl supporting cast.
Where Fields really turned heads was with his legs. He racked up 1,143 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards per carry in 2022 alone. That production made him one of the most dangerous dual-threat QBs in the league — right up there with the likes of Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts.
He also showed flashes of deep-ball accuracy and playmaking ability, especially when the pocket broke down (often in Chicago and Pittsburgh).
The win-loss record isn’t pretty (14-30), but it’s hard to judge a young QB when he’s running for his life half the time. With a better situation and a coaching staff that actually leans into his strengths, there’s a ton of upside left to unlock.
“So, he’s going to do everything he can to be one of the better ones, and we are going to coach our a**** off to make sure he does a good job out there,” Glenn said.
That’s the kind of fire Jets fans want to hear. Glenn’s vision for Fields isn’t just about raw talent — it’s about development, accountability, and building something sustainable.
If Fields can finally live up to the hype, $40 million might end up looking like a bargain.