Justin Fields did not meet expectations during his tenure atop the depth chart with the Jets. The free agent addition was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor for Week 12, casting doubt over his future in New York. 
Fields has only thrown one interception through nine starts in 2025, although he has done so while averaging a career-low 6.2 yards per attempt and completing less than 63% of his passes. The 26-year-old has added 383 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, but that did not quell speculation about Taylor taking over weeks before he received the QB1 spot. In spite of that, Fields believes he will receive another look as an NFL starter.
“Of course. Yes, sir,” he said when speaking to the media for the first time since being demoted to backup duties (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “I mean, I just know who I am as a person, as a football player, as a hard worker. I think I know I have the mindset and the skill to attain that. I just feel like I need to do it on a more consistent basis, but that’s just what it is.”
Fields added he “did not anticipate it whatsoever” when asked about his benching. The Jets went 2-7 with him at the helm, and the former first-rounder led a passing attack which drew public criticism from owner Woody Johnson and currently ranks last in the NFL. The absence of wideout Garrett Wilson has played a role in New York’s struggles on that front, but Fields’ performances have certainly left plenty to be desired.
After being traded away by the Bears last offseason, an injury to Russell Wilson allowed Fields to serve as the Steelers’ starter for the first six weeks of the campaign. Pittsburgh went 4-2 in that period, but Wilson operated as the team’s QB1 the rest of the way. On the open market, Fields secured $30MM guaranteed on a two-year Jets contract, one which seemed to put him on track to spend at least one season atop the depth chart.
Instead, Taylor is expected to remain the Jets’ starter for the rest of the campaign. Especially if that proves to be the case, it will be interesting to see how things proceed between Fields and the team. The Ohio State product is owed $20MM in base salary for 2026, half of which is already guaranteed. As such, the possibility exists he could be retained as a backup behind a rookie added early in April’s draft. Fields declined to comment on that hypothetical situation.
Of course, there are plenty of unanswered questions at this point with respect to the 2026 QB market. Other openings will no doubt exist around the league, but it will be interesting to see if Fields receives serious consideration for a starting spot given how 2025 has played out.
He can be pals with Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco that also want/expect starting opportunities.
This kid has been a class act here with the Jets and I wish him all the best but if he has any aspirations of being a starting QB in this league (or even a backup), he’s gotta learn how to complete the forward pass. Otherwise, he’s just an athlete severely miscast at the position who’s not gonna win you a lot of football games
He was a class act with the Bears as well. But he doesn’t have the required talent needed to be an NFL QB. Kick or punt returner maybe. He’s a hell of an athlete. Just not a QB
Gotta complete the forward pass. Been saying that for years
Is Fields anticipating starting in the CFL, UFL or one of the foreign leagues?
Exactly right!
The Arena Football League must be excited about getting his services next year. He already has plenty of experience playing near their championship game site.
Fields is a nice guy, but not a capable start QB. He should consider himself blessed to be walking away with $30mm next winter.
Maybe there is a job waiting for him in the UFL.
Just going to say it now, welcome back to Pittsburgh. I just have a bad bad feeling he gets cut and returns
Justin Fields may or may not be good enough to start in the future, but one thing is for sure – the Jets are, and will continue to be, an absolute dumpster fire.
Just like you.
The Jets are competitive, unlike the New York Football Giants.
Fields should be converted to a wildcat specialist except the Jets don’t have the wildcat in their playbook.
What? Neither are good, but I’d much rather have the giants roster.
Fields, receivers and O-line all deserve blame for a tough year but when I watch Fields, he just doesnt have pocket awareness and if he could take deeper drops, he could have more confidence stepping up into the pocket or buying the extra second before throwing.
sbmcintosh36@gmail.com The Oline,do you watch the games?
The line is good he holds the ball for 45 min cuz he cant process anything.
Well there you have it … a good offensive line on a 2-9 team that averages 20 points per game. I will let you watch their games, I get to watch the Titans ineptness enough.
sbmcintosh36@gmail.com Sorry man , I get it the misery is real.
I think you have the QB but he needs a lot of help ,hope they don’t waste him.
Yeah whatever Justin
I hear Minnesota is in the market for a new QB!!
First team bench warmer/Gatorade mixer. As his name suggests he should explore other fields of interest (ie employment) because he looks like a running back trying to play QB. Couldn’t recognize a defense to save his life and not blessed with any common sense.
I also anticipate having a three way with two smoking hot babes one day. But we all can’t get what we want