Justin Fields just got the third fresh start of his career. The 26-year-old quarterback signed a two-year $40 million contract to be the New York Jets’ starter. Fields started six games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 and went 4-2 before being replaced by veteran Russell Wilson.
There was speculation that Fields could re-sign with the Steelers, but the Jets swooped in with a lucrative contract offer that was hard for Fields to resist. He goes into the 2024 season as the face of the Jets’ franchise and carries significant expectations. However, some analysts are not completely sold on Fields as a full-time starting quarterback.
Did the Jets Find Their Starting Quarterback?
Aaron Schatz at ESPN is skeptical of the Jets’ signing of Fields.
“Just because a team thinks it has filled a hole doesn’t mean it’s filled, Shatz said. “There is a possibility that free agent pickup Justin Fields will finally fulfill his NFL potential in his fifth season. But those odds are long.
“Fields had his best season in 2024 with a 50.8 QBR, but it came in a six-game sample. And that QBR would have ranked 23rd in the NFL if he threw enough passes to qualify,” Schatz points out. “That’s better than what the Jets got from Aaron Rodgers last season, but it still isn’t good, and there is no guarantee Fields can match or improve on it. Tyrod Taylor is a fine backup, but you don’t want him starting an entire season.”
That six-game sample is cause for concern. There’s also the fact that Pittsburgh didn’t turn to Fields after the Steelers’ offense began to nosedive late in the 2024 season. The Jets enthusiasm also masks the Steelers’ tepid interest in re-signing Fields, so there is the risk that the Jets may have overpaid in the face of a need at a critical position.
Fields may be a risk, but he is a legitimate talent who can blossom if the Jets develop him properly. The 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft flashed dual-threat capabilities with the Chicago Bears, but he was held back by inconsistent coaching and a deficient supporting cast. Fields complained of feeling “robotic” during his time in Chicago, suggesting he was overthinking during games instead of allowing himself to get into a natural rhythm.
Fields finished his tenure in Chicago with a 10-28 record as a starter. The Bears had the number one pick in the NFL Draft and traded Fields to the Steelers for a conditional 6th round pick. The Bears then drafted Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.
Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has been given a player who has the raw tools to become something special. Now, it’s up to the former Detroit Lions passing-game coordinator and head coach, Aaron Glenn, to unlock his potential.
