Do stats show Justin Fields could be upgrade over Aaron Rodgers for Jets?

The New York Jets parted ways with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier this offseason before they signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40M contract that included $30M guaranteed.

Numerous stats indicate Fields will be a downgrade at the sport's most important position for the Jets after the club went 5-12 with Rodgers in the lineup this past season. However, Rich Cimini of ESPN explained for a piece published on Monday why there is reason to believe Fields could give the Jets more during the upcoming campaign than what Rodgers offered the franchise over its last 17 games. 

"In their past 17 starts, Fields is superior to Rodgers in Total QBR (52.0 to 48.0), completion percentage over expected (2.4% to -5.2%) and yards per attempt (7.0 to 6.7). Fields also has a better record as a starter -- 9-8 to 5-12," Cimini wrote.

It's worth mentioning that only six of Fields' past 17 starts occurred when he spent the 2024 season as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went 4-2 as Pittsburgh's starter when Russell Wilson was dealing with a lingering calf problem, but head coach Mike Tomlin preferred to start a recovered Wilson from Week 7 through the Steelers' wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

According to Pro Football Reference, Rodgers ended the 2024 regular season ranked 28th in the league with his 48.0 QBR. Fields' 50.8 QBR would've been good for 25th in that category had he finished Week 18 among qualified players. 

Per the StatMuse website, only Lamar Jackson of the Ravens accumulated more regular-season rushing yards (2,352) than Fields (2,220) from 2021-2023. The Jets are expected to use Fields as a runner more than Pittsburgh did over his six starts last season. 

Neither first-time head coach Aaron Glenn nor general manager Darren Mougey was with the Jets when they acquired Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in the spring of 2023. The perception exists that Glenn and Mougey wanted to avoid having to deal with potential distractions caused by Rodgers' off-the-field habits, such as his weekly in-season appearances on "The Pat McAfee Show." 

"They believe Fields, 26, is an ascending player," Cimini added about the Jets. "His understated demeanor should make him a better fit with Glenn than Rodgers would've been."

While Fields is looking to resurrect his career with Gang Green, Rodgers is on track to serve as Pittsburgh's Week 1 QB1 at none other than the Jets on Sept. 7. If nothing else, both signal-callers should have plenty to prove at MetLife Stadium that Sunday afternoon.