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Can Justin Fields Impress In 'One-Year Tryout' With Jets?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 12:32 AM ET

Justin Fields wanted a chance to be a starter in the NFL, and the New York Jets have given him that chance.

After failing with the Chicago Bears and being 4-2 as a starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being replaced by Russell Wilson last season, Fields, despite being in the league for four years, is at a crossroads.

And he's potentially on his last chance to prove he is worthy of being a starter.

For NFL.com's Nick Shook, it's gut-check time for Fields in what he calls a one-year tryout.

"Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal to become the Jets' chosen new starter in 2025, but if we look at what it might cost them to get out of said deal after the coming season, it's clear this is a one-year tryout," Shook wrote. "If the former first-round pick is going to prove his most ardent supporters correct, he needs to start doing so now."

Fields has a clear runway in 2025, and it is one he must take advantage of because if he can't make it work with Tanner Engstrand and is replaced by Tyrod Taylor, what that will say about his potential as a starter will be loud.

Granted, he has had some up and down days at Jets OTAs, with Brian Baldinger notching how impressive Fields is with his running ability, but then there have been inconsistencies with his passing play.

That is all part and parcel of this time of year, but Aaron Glenn needs Fields to be the leader of this locker room, and who knows when or if he'll get another chance as good as this one to stake his claim.

The 2025 season is the very definition of a make-or-break year for Fields.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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