New York Jets Make Bold Move with Justin Fields Signing
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have made a significant move in the NFL free agency market, addressing their quarterback situation just a month after parting ways with Aaron Rodgers. On the first day of the free agent negotiating period, the Jets agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers backup Justin Fields, according to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Fields, who is 26 years old, is set to sign a two-year, $40 million contract, which includes $30 million in guarantees. This move positions Fields as the expected opening-day starter for the Jets, ahead of the current backup, Tyrod Taylor. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a long-term commitment for the Jets. They have the flexibility to reassess the quarterback position after the 2025 season, and they might even consider adding a quarterback in the upcoming draft.
Interestingly, Aaron Rodgers has now emerged as a potential quarterback option for the Steelers, as reported by league sources to Schefter on Monday.
This decision marks a significant step for the Jets’ new leadership team, led by General Manager Darren Mougey and Coach Aaron Glenn. They successfully attracted Fields away from the Steelers, identifying him as the player to lead the franchise into a new era.
While the Jets secured Fields, they also experienced some losses on Monday, losing four major contributors: right tackle Morgan Moses to the New England Patriots, cornerback D.J. Reed to the Detroit Lions, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to the Washington Commanders, and linebacker Haason Reddick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In response to losing Reed, the Jets acted swiftly by agreeing to a three-year, $36 million contract with free agent cornerback Brandon Stephens, which includes $23 million fully guaranteed, according to sources who spoke with Schefter.
Fields will be reunited with wide receiver Garrett Wilson, with whom he played for two seasons at Ohio State (2019-20). Fields was drafted 11th overall in 2021, nine spots after the Jets selected quarterback Zach Wilson, who was replaced by Rodgers and traded last offseason.
The Jets’ quarterback depth chart now includes Fields, Taylor, and 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis, who missed last season due to a college leg injury.
Fields joined the Steelers a year ago through a trade with the Chicago Bears. Before selecting quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, Chicago traded Fields to the Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round selection.
Although Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback after the preseason, Fields started the first six games of the season for Pittsburgh while Wilson recovered from a serious calf strain. During that six-game stint, Fields achieved a 4-2 record, completing 65.8% of his attempts and throwing five touchdowns to one interception. He also contributed 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Despite the Steelers hinting at an offensive plan involving both quarterbacks after Wilson replaced Fields as the starter in Week 7, Fields appeared in just four more regular-season games, attempting one pass and rushing seven times for 58 yards.
In his 38 starts with the Bears, Fields completed 60.3% of his passes for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. Over his career, Fields has completed 61.1% of his passes, with 45 touchdowns and 31 interceptions. He has also rushed for 2,509 yards and 19 scores.
- Brandon Stephens, 27, is a two-year starting cornerback who faced challenges last season with the Baltimore Ravens. Opposing teams often targeted Stephens when they needed a big play, resulting in 66 receptions for 906 yards and four touchdowns, all career worsts.
- Known for his versatility, Stephens started 11 games at safety in his rookie season before transitioning to cornerback, where he started 33 games over the past two years. In 2023, he was expected to play safety but moved to cornerback due to injuries during training camp. He recorded career bests of 74 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 11 passes defended.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor and Jamison Hensley contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN
