New York Jets’ Bold Quarterback Move: Justin Fields Takes the Helm
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have embarked on a significant transformation this offseason, and it’s a classic case of the pendulum swinging in the opposite direction. When a team undergoes such sweeping changes, it often overcompensates for its perceived weaknesses. This is why we see teams oscillate between player-friendly coaches and disciplinarians, or vice versa.
The Jets’ quarterback situation is a prime example of this pendulum theory. They’ve moved on from Aaron Rodgers, a historically great player who, at 41, showed signs of instability during his two seasons in New York. In his place, they’ve brought in a 26-year-old dynamo, Justin Fields, who is still on his journey to becoming a complete quarterback.
With this change, the Jets are transitioning from a prolific passer—Rodgers set a franchise record with 624 dropbacks last season—to one of the most dynamic running quarterbacks in NFL history. Fields has averaged 50.2 rushing yards per game over four seasons, second only to Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson, who averages 59.9.
But it’s not just the quarterback that’s changing; it’s the entire personality of the position under the guidance of new head coach Aaron Glenn. The Jets are rebooting after a disappointing 5-12 season, and they’re doing it with a fresh approach.
On the first day of the free agent negotiating period, the Jets made a bold move by agreeing to a two-year, $40 million contract with Fields, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal includes $30 million in guarantees, indicating that the Jets are serious about making Fields their starter. While they might frame it as a competition with respected backup Tyrod Taylor, Fields’ contract gives him a clear advantage.
Fields will be reunited with his former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson, who is reportedly thrilled about the reunion. Back in 2020, during a pandemic-shortened season, Wilson caught 43 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games with Fields as the Buckeyes’ starter.
For the Jets, Fields’ exceptional mobility brings a unique dimension to their game. A former Jets official even remarked that Fields “may be the best, total athletic QB in club history.” The franchise hasn’t seen many quarterbacks with such athletic prowess. The record for most rushing yards in a season by a Jets quarterback is 453, set by Al Dorow in 1960. In the Super Bowl era, the best performance came from Geno Smith, who ran for 366 yards as a rookie in 2013.
While the Jets have had a few mobile quarterbacks, like Michael Vick in 2014, Vick was past his prime and served as Smith’s backup. If Taylor were to start, his running days seem to be behind him, as he averaged just 17.9 rushing yards per game in 11 appearances with the New York Giants in 2023.
Fields has the potential to change all that. In 2022, during his second year with the Chicago Bears, he rushed for an impressive 1,143 yards. If he gets into a groove, he might surpass Dorow’s record by Halloween. The presence of a running quarterback could unlock the entire running game, which struggled last season, ranking 31st in yards. This is promising news for Breece Hall, a talented back who often found himself stifled in the backfield.
It will be up to first-time offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand to craft a system that capitalizes on Fields’ strengths. Engstrand, who came from the Detroit Lions, is used to working with a pure pocket passer like Jared Goff. Expect to see more run-pass options, zone reads, and one-read pass plays. Fields can make plays if used correctly, and the Jets can rely on their defense under their defensive-minded head coach. It won’t be a wide-open, high-flying attack like the Lions, but it could be effective.
Glenn recently stated that he wants his quarterback to possess mental and physical toughness and be “a winner.” He didn’t mention arm strength or accuracy. Fields was a winner at Ohio State, but his NFL record stands at 14 wins in 44 starts, including a 4-2 record with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. The big question is whether he can carry a team with his arm, not just his legs.
Since 2021, Fields ranks 29th in Total QBR and 34th in completion percentage over expected. He did show some subtle improvements in Pittsburgh, ranking 17th in EPA per dropback before being replaced by Russell Wilson. However, skeptics remain, questioning whether he can be a long-term solution due to his lack of production from the pocket.
The Jets don’t have all the answers yet, but they have a year to figure it out. If it doesn’t work out, they can exit the contract in 2026. One thing is certain: Fields will play the position like no other in Jets history.
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
