The New York Jets struck quickly when NFL free agency began, signing quarterback Justin Fields, after strong mutual interest between the two sides as the negotiating window neared.
Fields, 26, lands in New York after spending one year in Pittsburgh, where he led the Steelers to a 4-2 start before being benched by head coach Mike Tomlin, in favor of veteran Russell Wilson, looking to play his way into becoming the Jets’ franchise quarterback of the future.
Last season, before the Steelers’ quarterback switch, Fields had completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns, one interception, and five rushing scores.
The Jets are banking on a fresh start untapping the former No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft’s potential. However, not everyone is convinced Fields will reach it in New York.
Former NFL GM Thinks New York Jets are Lukewarm on Justin Fields
Former NFL General Manager, and Executive of The Year winner, Jeff Diamond, suggests that the Jets’ commitment to Fields could be a tacit one, at best.
“Fields is reuniting with his Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson,” Diamond points out, writing for The 33rd Team. “The Jets’ top receiver. He also has a fine running back in Breece Hall, but as was the case for Fields in Chicago, the offensive line is a question mark after the quick-release Rodgers was sacked 40 times last season.
“The Jets have the seventh pick in the first round and the 10th pick in the second round of the upcoming draft, so considering their limited commitment to Fields, they could take a quarterback with one of those picks to compete for Fields.”
New York could still take a quarterback to develop behind Fields, but given the underwhelming incoming draft class at the position, and lack of proven options in free agency, it isn’t a leap to think the Jets may have landed the quarterback –not named Sam Darnold, with the most immediate upside this offseason.
Just how committed the Jets are, may depend on Fields’ performance this season.
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.
Our Partners
