Justin Fields is expected to sign a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets. Many analysts are calling it a low-risk, high-reward move for a quarterback who was the No. 11 overall pick in 2021.
Fields, coming off a mostly productive one-year stint in Pittsburgh, has a legitimate chance to win the starting job outright. If not, the Jets can look for a franchise quarterback in 2026.
NFL Analyst Appears To Call Aaron Rodgers a Bad Locker Room Presence
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel appeared to take a thinly veiled shot at Aaron Rodgers during a recent appearance on FS1’s “The Facility” while discussing the Jets’ quarterback situation.
Daniel’s primary intention was to praise Fields, highlighting his 4-2 record as a starter in 2024, but his use of the words “non-distraction” and “great locker room guy” seemed to paint an unflattering picture of Rodgers’ two seasons in New York.
“He was 4-2 last year, right? We can talk about that all we want. But he gives them a non-distraction at the quarterback position. You talk to anyone about Justin Fields, and they say he’s a great locker room guy. That is what the New York Jets need right now. They don’t need somebody to put them on their back and try to win games because, quite honestly, no one can do that right now in that division.”
Daniel is right about the lack of quality starters in the AFC East. Outside of reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen, the division lacks proven talent. The Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa would be the next-best QB, although his injury history, particularly concussions, raises concerns.
Meanwhile, New England’s Drake Maye has potential heading into his first full year as the starter. His arrow is trending up, but he remains unproven.
Then, there’s Fields — entering a dream scenario with no expectations, just hope.
“What else are you going to do? Like, you know what you are getting in Justin Fields, and you can hope that your team can be .500,” Daniel said. “There’s no one this year [in the draft]. This is me listening to the Jets saying we don’t like any quarterbacks in this draft. We’re going to wait until next year.”
“…If you actually give Justin Fields the runway to start the whole year — and not have to look over his shoulder — who knows what his ceiling can be? So, for $20 million a year, this makes sense.”
Steelers Could Sign Rodgers in Free Agency
Rodgers’ name has surfaced in recent days as a potential option for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers took a gamble in 2024, starting Fields until Russell Wilson was healthy enough to take over. They finished 10-7, made the playoffs, and were blown out in the Wild Card round by the Baltimore Ravens.
Now, Fields is gone, and Wilson is a free agent. Speculation has centered on Rodgers as the Steelers’ next move.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes the Steelers will “pivot” to Rodgers, while Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gary Dulac reported that the team has had “serious discussions” about Rodgers.
Meanwhile, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport believes Rodgers is down to two options if he continues his career — the Steelers or the New York Giants.
“I really don’t know,” Rapoport said of Rodgers’ future. “I have some thoughts, but I don’t know which way he is leaning.”