The New York Jets have officially made a significant move by signing Justin Fields as their starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. The Jets reportedly secured Fields with a two-year deal worth $40 million, of which $30 million is guaranteed. This transition comes after the franchise parted ways with veteran Aaron Rodgers, marking a new chapter for the Jets as they attempt to solidify their quarterback situation, a quest that has seen six different starting QBs since 2021.
As of March 25, 2025, the Jets are placing their bets on Fields, a former first-round draft choice, and hope to steer clear of the turbulent quarterback history that has plagued the team. Fields, originally drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been on a competitive rollercoaster throughout his career. After three seasons in Chicago, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers where he started six games in 2024, achieving a 4-2 record, throwing five touchdown passes against just one interception, and boasting an impressive completion percentage of 65.8%.
Despite his capabilities, which include over 2,500 rushing yards, there are mixed feelings about Fields taking on the starting role in New York. SNY writer Connor Hughes conveyed that the Jets still might not possess their long-term franchise quarterback, stating, "In all likelihood, the Jets franchise quarterback is not on their roster. They need to find him." While Fields is seen as a bridge option, his performance in the upcoming season may shape the future direction of the team.
Moreover, the Jets hold the seventh overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft scheduled for April 24, 2025. There has been speculation regarding their intent to target another quarterback, like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart, although a lot hinges on Fields's performance in the immediate term. Hughes emphasized the team's possible direction, noting there is no rush to start a rookie quarterback should they decide to draft one, suggesting the youth could sit back for a year under Fields.
Fields's fantasy potential also shines brightly despite skepticism among analysts surrounding his real-life metrics. In 2024, while he was with the Steelers, he ranked among the top-12 fantasy quarterbacks with an average of 18.8 points per game, underpinned by his dual-threat capabilities that made him a valuable asset on the field. His numbers were buoyed by a mix of rushing and passing, and there are hopes that under the mentorship of Jets' new offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, he can thrive further.
In contrast, the New York Giants, another team striving to cement their quarterback following, are taking a different route. They recently signed Jameis Winston to a two-year deal and are back in the mix for possible stars like Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. The Giants have the third overall pick in the draft, placing them in contention for top prospects as well, heightening the scrutiny surrounding both teams' choices.
Each franchise’s approach to their quarterback situation raises questions about strategies and timelines. The Jets, with a relatively new coaching staff led by Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, appear to have the breathing room to patiently develop their roster; unlike the Giants, whose management may find themselves under pressure to deliver results promptly due to a perceived hot seat.
As the Jets gear up for their 2025 season with Fields, they also keep their options open, eyeing multiple positions in the draft. Fans are keenly awaiting how the Jets will navigate with their number seven pick. They could potentially shift their focus to non-quarterback areas, which many analysts suggest to bypass adding another quarterback with Fields already signed.
Adding to the complexity, the Jets reportedly met with top quarterback prospect Quinn Ewers, enhancing speculation surrounding their layered strategy as they prepare for the draft. Draft analysts have indicated that Ewers might not be a first-round pick but could serve as a savvy choice in later rounds should they pursue further quarterback depth.
In what seemed like the final puzzle piece, the reuniting of Fields with his former Ohio State teammate, Garrett Wilson, injects additional excitement. Wilson has voiced his enthusiasm about playing alongside Fields again, emphasizing how their chemistry could provide the Jets with a strategic advantage. Fields expressed a deep commitment to reviving his career and showcasing his talents at the Jets, hoping to finally become the franchise QB that the team has been in search of since the end of the Mark Sanchez era.
As the Jets approach the draft and prepare for the upcoming season, the spotlight will be on Justin Fields. With the potential to reshape the Jets’ quarterback lineage and striving to cement his place as a starting NFL quarterback, Fields stands at the brink of a decisive season. This journey is not just another chapter for Fields, but potentially a transformative moment for the Jets as they look to capitalize on the fresh optimism surrounding their new quarterback and chart a course towards contention in the NFL.
