The Aaron Rodgers experiment in New York appears to be nearing its end. After a nightmarish 2023 season that ended just four snaps in with a torn Achilles, the New York Jets hoped Rodgers would rebound in 2024.
Instead, the season spiraled into a disaster, with New York finishing 5-12 and frustrations mounting between the quarterback and the organization. Now, the franchise is preparing to move on, setting the stage for one of the biggest quarterback decisions of the NFL offseason.
While the Jets have options to build for the future through the NFL Draft, they are predicted to go with Garrett Wilson’s former collegiate teammate, who is set to enter free agency this offseason.
New York Jets Predicted To Reunite Garrett Wilson With Justin Fields
As Rodgers’ departure seems inevitable, the Jets have two primary paths: turning to a reliable veteran who can steady the ship or gambling on a younger, high-upside quarterback. But Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicts they will tread a middle path and sign Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, who is ranked the No. 46 free agent in PFSN’s Top 100 Free Agents.
“Given the buzz around wideout Garrett Wilson’s discontent, the Jets may try to appease him… They could sign Justin Fields to pair him up with his former collegiate teammate. Fields and Wilson played together for two years at Ohio State.
“Wilson didn’t break out for 1,000-plus receiving yards until 2021, but he built a connection with Fields in 2019 and 2020. If Wilson isn’t too thrilled about the Jets’ current quarterback situation, a familiar face under center could keep him engaged for at least another season.”
Fields was effective as a starter for the Steelers in 2024 before being benched for Russell Wilson after six games. Beyond the 4-2 record and 5-1 TD-INT ratio, Fields also averaged 0.04 EPA per dropback, which would have been inside the top 20 at the position if he had thrown enough passes to qualify for the leaderboard (200).
Fields also had the highest completion percentage of his career (65.8%) and continues to be a red-zone weapon with his legs (five rushing TDs, all from the 7-yard line or closer).
With the Jets moving on from Rodgers after the 41-year-old finished 21st in PFSN’s QB+ rankings (72.1 grade), Fields could be a high-upside option for a roster that is otherwise veteran-laden and could be competitive in 2025.
However, the Jets may rethink the decision when considering finances. NFL analyst Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac projects Fields to ink a contract worth $283 million over six years, and New York is unlikely to pursue such a route as a short-term solution to its problems.