Justin Fields is running out of time — but he might finally have the runway. After a turbulent start to his NFL career with the Chicago Bears and a short stop with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the former first-round pick is getting what could be a final chance to prove he belongs as a starter.
Now a member of the New York Jets after signing a two-year, $40 million deal, Fields enters 2025 with urgency, opportunity, and the backing of respected former NFL executive Louis Riddick. The NFL analyst served as the director of pro personnel for the Washington Commanders (2005-2007) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2010-2013).
From Sacks to Stats: New York Jets’ Overhaul Could Rewrite Justin Fields’ Story
During a recent appearance on “Get Up,” Riddick said he sees a breakout year on the horizon for Fields. Not just improvement — but a true career revival. And with a retooled offensive line, a new play-caller, and a system built to maximize his dual-threat skill set, the conditions might finally be right.
Riddick believes the Jets are uniquely positioned to elevate Fields’ game, starting with the big men up front.
.@LRiddickESPN told @Espngreeny that it’s not ridiculous to think Justin Fields could have a career year on the #Jets in 2025:
‘So could Justin Fields have a career year which would primarily be comprised of 20+ touchdown passes, 3K+ passing yards, 800+ rushing yards? I… pic.twitter.com/GWArc9FMjU
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) May 28, 2025
“This offensive line in New York, which is where it all starts for these young quarterbacks, they’ve got three first-round picks and a second-round pick,” Riddick said. “They’ve got to be better. They’ve got to establish the run, especially with the running backs that they have as well.”
The revamped unit includes former top picks Alijah Vera-Tucker and Olu Fashanu, and 2025 first-rounder Armand Membou, along with 34-year-old free-agent addition Tyron Smith, providing Fields with the best pass protection and rushing support he’s had since entering the league. That’s no small change for a quarterback who was sacked 135 times over three seasons in Chicago, including a league-worst 55 in 2022.
Riddick also pointed to offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand as a key factor in Fields’ potential leap.
“It’s staring him right in the face as far as philosophically, the approach should be for this team,” said Riddick. “Quarterback run, feature the running backs, lean on this offensive line, play action, pass.”
The Jets appear poised to build around Fields’ strengths, notably his dynamic rushing ability, which often kept the Bears’ offense afloat despite its many flaws.
“Could Justin Fields have a career year which would primarily be comprised of 20-plus touchdown passes, 3K-plus in passing yards, 800-plus in rushing yards?” Riddick said, laying out a bold statistical vision for Fields in 2025. “I absolutely could see it happening.”
For perspective, if Fields hits 800 rushing yards, he’d shatter the Jets’ single-season record for a quarterback. As noted by Paul Andrew Esden Jr. of “The Manchild Show With Boy Green,” that mark is currently held by Al Dorow, who ran for 453 yards in 1960. As for the modern era, now-Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had 366 rushing yards during his 2013 rookie season.
Of course, potential has never been the issue. Fields’ physical tools have always popped — but poor protection, coaching changes, and a lack of support kept him from developing in Chicago. The Bears moved on, drafted Caleb Williams, and shipped Fields to Pittsburgh for a conditional sixth-round pick before he landed in New York.
Now, with a more stable setup and his NFL future on the line, the question isn’t whether Fields is talented enough. It’s whether the Jets can finally give him a chance to show it.