Another quarterback is off the market. A lackluster draft class meant that several NFL teams in need of a QB would turn to free agency. Now, one of the top names is off the board as the New York Jets address their quarterback situation after parting ways with Aaron Rodgers.
With head coach Aaron Glenn leading the charge, New York is set to begin a new era. The team’s plans over the past few years haven’t gone as expected, and now they’re looking for a fresh start. As a result, a fifth-year quarterback is joining the squad as the franchise looks to build around him.
New York Jets Sign Justin Fields
Since being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2021, Justin Fields’ career has been a mixed bag. While he has shown flashes of his potential — especially with his ability as a runner –the overall product has not yet matched expectations.
As a result, the Bears moved on from him before the 2024 season, and he got a fresh start with the Pittsburgh Steelers. There, Fields posted a 4-2 record as a starter and caught the attention of teams around the league, including the Jets.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on X, posting, “The #Jets are signing QB Justin Fields, per me and @TomPelissero, as Gang Green gets a new starter. Fields says goodbye to Pittsburgh after one year.”
Due to the small sample size, Fields did not qualify for PFSN’s QB+ metrics. However, had he maintained his pace — completing nearly 66% of his passes for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns — he would have ranked 14th in the NFL.
As a result, Fields ranked 42nd on PFSN’s Top 121 Free Agents list this offseason, coming in as the second-highest-ranked quarterback behind Sam Darnold.
Rapoport also reported the full contract details, confirming, “He gets a two-year deal worth $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed in a deal negotiated by @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst.”
PFSN analyst Ben Rolfe had praise for Fields, particularly for his brief but effective stint in Pittsburgh.
“Justin Fields rattled off three wins to start his career as a Steeler. While he wasn’t asked to carry the team, he managed the game well against three playoff contenders—the Falcons, Broncos, and Chargers.”
While the Steelers’ offense wasn’t a highlight during that stretch, the Jets may adopt a similar run-first approach under Glenn, a defensive-minded coach. However, Fields still showed areas of improvement as a passer.
“That’s not to say there aren’t positive trends for a player entering his age-26 season. He threw just one interception on 161 pass attempts and owns a 29-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the red zone over his career.”
If Fields continues to develop, the Jets may have found a steal at quarterback. However, even if he doesn’t take a major leap, he can provide stability for a team that desperately needs it.
And with the contract only spanning two years, New York has the flexibility to pivot in a different direction in 2026 if Fields doesn’t prove to be their long-term answer.