New York Jets Emerge as Contenders for Justin Fields Amid Quarterback Search
The New York Jets are reportedly in the mix to sign quarterback Justin Fields from the Pittsburgh Steelers following Aaron Rodgers’ departure.
Rodgers’ time with the Jets officially ended on February 13 after two underwhelming seasons, including one lost to an Achilles tear sustained in his very first game. With the veteran quarterback out, the Jets are now exploring their options for a new signal-caller.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Jets are considered a “sleeper option” for Fields in free agency. Speaking on SportsCenter, Fowler noted:
“They could have some interest; they like the idea of a dual-threat quarterback. He’s younger. I’m told Fields has looked at that roster and sees some intrigue there too. They have some good young pieces, like Garrett Wilson, and a good defense.”
Fields, who made a name for himself with the Chicago Bears before joining Pittsburgh, played alongside Russell Wilson in the Steelers’ two-quarterback system last season. The 25-year-old completed 106 of 161 passes for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns.
Fields Weighing His Options in Free Agency
While Fields is expected to draw interest from multiple teams, the Jets’ young core and strong defense could make them a compelling destination.
Fowler also reported that Fields is a highly sought-after name in free agency but remains open to returning to Pittsburgh. However, he is seeking a team that will give him a clear path to becoming the full-time starter.
“The belief is that Pittsburgh is also open to bringing him back, but he wants a clean runway to start a full season. He didn’t get that last year. He would like to be the guy wherever he goes,” Fowler added.
Jets Face Financial Challenges After Rodgers’ Exit
With Rodgers gone, the Jets must navigate a significant financial burden, as his departure leaves the team with $49 million in dead cap space. Meanwhile, new head coach Aaron Glenn is tasked with rebuilding the franchise and finding a quarterback who can lead them forward.
As for Rodgers, his future in NFL remains uncertain.
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Liverpool | 28 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 66 | 26 | 40 | 67 |
| 2 |  Arsenal | 27 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 51 | 23 | 38 | 54 |
| 3 |  Nottingham Forest | 27 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 44 | 33 | 11 | 48 |
| 4 |  Man City | 27 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 53 | 37 | 16 | 47 |
| 5 |  Chelsea | 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 52 | 36 | 16 | 46 |
| 6 |  Newcastle | 27 | 13 | 5 | 9 | 46 | 38 | 8 | 44 |
| 7 |  Bournemouth | 27 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 45 | 32 | 13 | 43 |
| 8 |  Brighton | 27 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 44 | 39 | 5 | 43 |
| 9 |  Fulham | 27 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 36 | 4 | 42 |
| 10 |  Aston Villa | 28 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 42 |
| 11 |  Brentford | 27 | 11 | 5 | 11 | 48 | 43 | 5 | 38 |
| 12 |  Crystal Palace | 27 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 35 | 33 | 2 | 36 |
| 13 |  Tottenham | 27 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 33 |
| 14 |  Man United | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 33 | 39 | -6 | 33 |
| 15 |  West Ham | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 32 | 47 | -15 | 33 |
| 16 |  Everton | 27 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 32 |
| 17 |  Wolves | 27 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 37 | 56 | -19 | 22 |
| 18 |  Ipswich | 27 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 26 | 57 | -31 | 17 |
| 19 |  Leicester | 27 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 25 | 61 | -36 | 17 |
| 20 |  Southampton | 27 | 2 | 3 | 22 | 19 | 65 | -46 | 9 |