Justin Fields is moving forward but hasn’t forgotten what happened in Pittsburgh.
Now settling into life as the New York Jets’ new $40 million quarterback, Fields is beginning the next chapter of his career with renewed purpose — and a much clearer sense of what it takes to lead in the NFL. But while his future looks a lot different than it did just a year ago, Fields is still candid when it comes to the lowest point of his 2024 season: Being benched by the Steelers.
The move was shocking, even in a season filled with quarterback injuries and mid-year shakeups. After joining Pittsburgh in a trade from Chicago, Fields was thrust into a crowded QB room and eventually found himself backing up Russell Wilson. It didn’t sit right with him — at least not at first.
New York Jets QB Justin Fields Reflects on Benching By Mike Tomlin, Steelers
On April 9, Fields spoke to the New York media for the first time since being acquired by the Jets in free agency.
“It was different for me and a space I wasn’t really comfortable,” Fields said when asked about his benching last season. “But coach [Mike] Tomlin made a decision he thought was best for the team. I’m never going to go against that. I just tried to change my perspective and get better in practice.”
Justin Fields on the Steelers benching him last year: "It was different for me and a space I wasn't really comfortable. But Coach Tomlin made a decision he thought was best for the team. I'm never going to go against that. I just tried to change my perspective and get better in…
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) April 9, 2025
The response highlights how Fields approached what could’ve been a career setback. For a former first-round pick expected to be a long-term starter, sitting on the bench was a jarring experience. But rather than let it define him, Fields leaned into the challenge. Sources close to the team noted his work ethic remained strong throughout the season, with coaches praising his commitment during practice reps and film study.
Still, the decision stung — and it wasn’t just about playing time. Fields had hoped Pittsburgh would be a fresh start after a rocky tenure in Chicago. Instead, he found himself back in limbo. The Jets, however, saw potential where other clubs might have seen uncertainty. New York made a bold move in free agency, signing Fields to a two-year deal worth $40 million ($30 million guaranteed) with incentives tied to starts and playoff performance.
Now, he’s got a real shot to prove himself — this time without looking over his shoulder. Jets brass have been vocal about believing in Fields’ athletic upside and leadership potential. He’ll still have to earn it, but he can compete without the noise for the first time in a long time.
Fields Gives Eyebrow-Raising Answer About the Jets Possibly Adding QB in NFL Draft
Though Fields is the clear front-runner to start for the Jets in 2025, a hungry young rookie may be behind him. When asked about potentially mentoring first-year quarterback, Fields shut it down with a sharp reply. For a quarterback trying to reestablish himself, the focus is on the now.
Fields had this to say when a reporter asked how he feels about the possibility of being a mentor to a rookie who might be “nipping” at his heels:
“I don’t really like to answer rhetorical questions … I’m willing to teach, but I’m not really interested in rhetorical questions.”
For a guy trying to reignite his career, the message is clear: Fields is focused on what’s real, and right now, that’s being the best he can be in New York. But his history as a starter in Chicago and Pittsburgh wasn’t successful enough to say he’s the long-term solution to New York’s never-ending quarterback quandry.
Consequently, the speculation (and the question) is valid. The possibility that the Jets will take a quarterback somewhere in this month’s draft is real. What works in Fields’ favor is the lack of franchise-material signal-callers in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
The Jets are better suited by going for weapons that can help Fields finally break out and offensive linemen that can protect him long enough to feel confident as a pocket-passer. He’s a dual-threat talent, making him exciting to watch, but running for his life should not be a crutch.