The New York Jets are in the running to sign Justin Fields from the Pittsburgh Steelers after their quarterback slot opened up behind divorcing Aaron Rodgers.
On February 13, Rodgers’ lackluster tenure with the Jets ended after two seasons, one of which he sat out with an Achilles tear in his first game for the team.
With the team looking for a new facilitator, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday’s Sports Center that the Jets are a ‘sleeper option’ for Fields in Free Agency.
‘They could have some interest; they like the idea of a dual-threat quarterback,’ he continued. ‘He’s younger. I’m told Fields has looked at that roster, sees some intrigue there too.
‘They have some good young pieces, like Garrett Wilson, and a good defense.’
After making an impression in Chicago, Fields ended up in Pittsburgh’s two-quarterback operation alongside Russell Wilson. As a Steeler, the 25-year-old completed 106 of 161 attempts for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns.
The New York Jets have emerged as a potential landing spot for free agent Justin Fields
After two lackluster seasons, one spent injured, Aaron Rodgers parted ways with the team
Read More New York Jets identify quarterback as possible Aaron Rodgers replacement
While he would likely have many suitors in free agency, the Jets’ rebuild around a young core and solid defense may attract Fields as he explores his options.
Fowler added that Fields is ‘going to be a pretty H๏τ name’ in free agency and is reportedly ‘open to a return to the Steelers. He had a good experience there. The belief is that Pittsburgh is also open to that, too, 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 continued.
Rodgers’ departure means the Jets face $49million in ᴅᴇᴀᴅ money as new head coach Aaron Glenn tries to rebuild the beleaguered franchise. As for Rodgers, his future in the game is unclear.
The quarterback has, at times, hinted he could retire after the season ended but has also said he’d like to play in New York.
‘Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback,’ Glenn said in a joint statement with new GM Darren Mougey.
Fields is coming off a good season in Pittsburgh, playing alongside veteran Russell Wilson
Jaxson Dart also emerged as a possible replacement for Aaron Rodgers at the New York Jets
‘It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures.
‘We want to thank him for the leadership, pᴀssion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.’
In addition to Fields, the Jets have been linked to Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart, who is up for grabs in the upcoming Draft.
Earlier this month, Jets executive Rick Spielman recently praised Dart, the 21-year-old who made the 2024 All-SEC team.
Spielman was recently hired as a senior football advisor by the Jets. And at last month’s Senior Bowl, as an analyst on CBS, he said: ‘I like Jaxson Dart a lot – better and better and better.
‘It just looks like the position comes natural to him,’ added Spielman, who praised Dart’s ‘arm talent’ and said he had the ‘smoothest, quickest release’ of any quarterback at the Senior Bowl.
