The New York Jets appear to have ruled out one quarterback as their starter for next season: Aaron Rodgers.
The Jets reportedly informed Rodgers before the Super Bowl that the organization plans to move on from him. Assuming the plan is to go much younger than the 41-year-old Rodgers, one free agent could be taking snaps for New York in Week 1.
Jets Predicted To Replace Aaron Rodgers With Justin Fields
With Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reporting that the Jets plan to cut ties with Rodgers, they will be in the market for a quarterback this summer. With the likes of Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson highlighting the QB free agent class, New York could opt for a higher-risk, higher-reward option like Fields.
PFSN’s Ben Rolfe predicted exactly that to happen, with Rodgers either calling it a career or heading to his next destination.
“Fields was effective as a starter for the Steelers in 2024 before being benched for Wilson after six games,” Rolfe wrote. “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).”
This hot start to the 2024 campaign is why NFL analyst Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac surprisingly projects Fields to ink a contract somewhere in the realm of six years, $283 million.
“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 seven-yard line or closer),” Rolfe wrote.
“With the Jets likely 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.”
SEE MORE: New York Jets Depth Chart
Let’s assume Fields is the Jets’ next starter. Much of his success will depend on one or both of Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams performing to the best of their ability on and off the field. They could provide the 25-year-old with two strong receiving weapons given their talent, but if the antics outside of the lines continue, it could become a greater distraction than a help to have them around.
PFSN named Fields as the No. 46 free agent in their top 100, which is more than 20 slots higher than Wilson. This decision comes from a trust in his potential, which every member of the Jets’ organization must also buy into for this pairing to result in wins.