The New York Jets’ quarterback situation has been an ongoing carousel for what seems like forever.
Two offseasons ago, the team traded for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with many going as far as putting the Jets in Super Bowl conversations. Rodgers would tear his Achilles just four plays into his Jets debut in 2023. He’d come back healthy in 2024, throwing for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. It wasn’t enough, as New York finished 5-12 and moved on from Rodgers this offseason.
Rodgers is currently in Pittsburgh, but the Jets nabbed one of the Steelers quarterbacks from last season. Justin Fields, the former 2021 first round pick of the Chicago Bears, is still trying to find his footing as a starter in the league. Fields went 4-2 as a starter in Pittsburgh, throwing for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns to one interception, while adding another five scores on the ground.
The 26-year-old wasn’t wanted back by the Steelers, which is how he landed in New York. Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets, including $30 million guaranteed. The best-case scenario would be Fields having a breakout season, becoming more than just a stopgap option in New York.
There was a major scare initially at Jets training camp on Thursday, as Fields limped to the sideline and was later carted off. It was revealed after practice that Fields suffered a dislocated toe, avoiding any major injury. The team officially listed him as day-to-day.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, Fields is still expected to be ready for Week 1, when he’ll face his former team in the Steelers. A sigh of relief for all Jets fans.