Justin Fields hasn’t played a snap for the New York Jets yet, but the questions about his long-term future in Gotham are already coming in hot. The former Chicago Bears and (briefly) Pittsburgh Steelers starter was asked this week about the team potentially drafting a quarterback later this month.
Instead of dodging or downplaying the idea, Fields responded in a way that raised a few eyebrows. His tone wasn’t combative — that’s not his style — but it was clear he wasn’t thrilled about the question or its premise.
Justin Fields Isn’t Here for Hypotheticals
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:
Justin Fields is asked about the possibility of the Jets drafting a quarterback this year:
"I don't really like to answer rhetorical questions…I'm willing to teach, but I'm not really interested in rhetorical questions" pic.twitter.com/EjXnksvqzI
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) April 9, 2025
“I don’t really like to answer rhetorical questions … I’m willing to teach, but I’m not really interested in rhetorical questions.”
Fields’ career is akin to a pile of damp wood you’re trying to get going for a bonfire — the fire just won’t stay lit.
Drafted 11th overall by the Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields showed promise and occasional spark, but the fire never going going for him. He had a brief stint with the Steelers — after a trade for peanuts to Pittsburgh in the 2024 offseason — then joined the Jets as a free agent in March.
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.
Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets, with $30 million guaranteed. 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.
Jets Fans Bully Fields for Error
The word Fields was looking for is hypothetical. While rhetorical and hypothetical are commonly confused (the i-c-a-l gets them), they are not synonyms.
So, Fields doesn’t like to answer hypothetical questions. Not many people do, especially professional athletes or coaches.
Of course, fans were letting him hear it in the thread.
“Hypothetically, what if it wasn’t rhetorical?” one fan commented.
“Hypothetical my guy. Damn UGA and Ohio State gotta do better with their academics,” another joked.
I think you meant hypotheticals Justin 😂 I like the fire tho
— James (@JamesTHLB23) April 9, 2025
“I think you meant hypotheticals Justin. I like your fire tho.”
Some fans, though, blamed the reporter — Rich Cimini, ESPN’s Jets beat writer — who asked the question, calling it “lame.”
“Rich really sucks at his job man…some lame a** questions today,” a Jets fan wrote.
Fields Talks Reuniting With Buckeyes Teammate Garrett Wilson
What Fields was more excited to answer was a question about reuniting with Garrett Wilson, his former teammate at Ohio State.
“It’s awesome,” Fields said. “When I saw him, it’s really just like the old days. I don’t think our relationships skipped a beat. So, of course, I’m definitely excited to play with him.”
Wilson and Fields were teammates in 2019 and 2020, connecting on 66 receptions for 1,031 yards and nine touchdowns over 22 games.
If the duo can recreate that Buckeyes magic, the Jets might have a good thing going.
Wilson, 24, was the 2022 Rookie of the Year and has put up three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, living up to his 10th overall billing.