Entering the offseason, the Jets are working on building towards the future. The new regime of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will examine this roster like a fine-tooth comb and see who’s here for the long haul. However, the question on most fans’ minds is who will start at quarterback now. Currently, the only option with starting experience is veteran Tyrod Taylor. At 35, Tyrod Taylor wouldn’t be a terrible bridge quarterback for New York. However, it would benefit the Jets to look at adding competition through free agency. While the class lacks big names, there’s a perfect free agent who could be a great fit for the Jets. Especially to reunite with his former college teammate, star wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
.@ConnorJRogers and I on if the #Jets should pursue Justin Fields in free agency…https://t.co/7kR3NTrk8y pic.twitter.com/z4IgsnP8N5
— Joe Caporoso (@JCaporoso) February 25, 2025
This Free Agent Quarterback Is a Perfect Bridge for the Jets
Entering his first year as head coach, Aaron Glenn is ready to put the Robert Saleh and Aaron Rodgers era in the rearview mirror. The former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator is ready to run the show his way. While he has his work cut out for him; he, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks are ready for the challenge. To accomplish this, they will need to improve their run defense and implement a more efficient offense. With that in mind, they will need to get younger at the quarterback position as well.
The long-term quarterback option will likely wait for the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite this, they can still add an experienced quarterback, but one that’s a much better runner than a decrypted Aaron Rodgers. In addition, a reunion between Garrett Wilson and this quarterback could go a long way to keep the star wide receiver happy long-term.
The Jets should consider signing Justin Fields
Among the free agent options, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is a very intriguing name. The former 11th overall pick in 2021 hasn’t had the career many expected. The former Ohio State quarterback shined replacing Dwayne Haskins under center, taking Ohio State to the National Championship game in his last game. This led to Fields being selected by the Chicago Bears that spring in the draft, the fourth quarterback taken in the first round.
Unfortunately, Fields dealt with a lot over his tenure in Chicago. Multiple coordinator changes on offense. Two different head coaches. Along with an inconsistent offensive line led to problems for Fields. Despite flashing his dual-threat abilities as a runner, Fields couldn’t stop turning over the ball. Over 40 games with the Bears, Fields had 30 total interceptions and a staggering 38 fumbles, 11 of which were lost. Eventually, Chicago decided it was best to move on and replace Fields with first-overall pick Caleb Williams in 2024. As a result, Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick.
Refinement in Pittsburgh
Although his time in Chicago ended, that didn’t stop Fields from wanting to play. Instead of being discouraged, Fields worked hard with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to improve. While he only played in ten games total, Fields looked much more confident as a passer. This includes a career-high 65.5% completion on his passes. He contributed ten total touchdowns to only one interception and a fumble. He still flashed that running ability with just under 300 rushing yards. Even after making the switch to Russell Wilson, you can see the positive impact Fields gained from the team.
Could Justin Fields be the next QB to make a drastic turnaround?
"I still think there's a jump to be had in Justin Fields—not just like a minor improvement." 📈@StevePalazzolo_ and @SamMonsonNFL talk about the future for the Steelers' quarterback. https://t.co/6FTI9MKLtJ pic.twitter.com/cXql39fTII
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 15, 2025
Fields’ fit in New York
Although Fields didn’t start the whole season, he’s still one of the best free-agent quarterbacks this offseason. At only 25 years old and a great runner, he offers a more versatile game than his more experienced counterparts. That dual-threat ability will be big to help improve the Jets running game overall as well. With an old Aaron Rodgers, the Jets barely ran the ball and when they did, the schemes were a disservice to the talent of running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen. However, with a quarterback like Fields, he’d keep linebackers on their toes on option plays. Combining Fields with a backfield of Hall and Allen would be exciting short-yardage situations. That dual-threat ability can also add a wrinkle to Engstrand’s offense the Lions lacked from a pocket passer like Jared Goff on offense.
Justin Fields to Garrett Wilson again? pic.twitter.com/NBrFh5xCoQ
— J. Gray (@JGrayJets) February 19, 2025
In addition, Fields can help reestablish that college connection he and Garrett Wilson shared as teammates in Columbus. Between 22 games at Ohio State, Wilson had 73 receptions for 1155 yards and 11 touchdowns with Fields as his quarterback. Due to the holes on the roster, taking a chance with Justin Fields on a one-year deal would be wise. Should Fields succeed, you can easily re-sign him next offseason if New York truly believes in him long-term. In addition, if it doesn’t pan out; New York can still free themselves to move up for a franchise quarterback in the 2026 class. Seems like a worthy risk in the first season of a rebuild.
Main Photo: [Ken Blaze] – USA Today Sports
