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Jets Grade Hinges On Controversial Justin Fields 'Gamble'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 13, 2025 1:56 PM ET

The New York Jets have moved swiftly in silence to end the Aaron Rodgers era and usher in a new regime with Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey tasked with getting the franchise back up to standard.

Part of that was signing Rodgers' replacement, which led the franchise to Justin Fields in free agency. We see signing a two-year, $40 million deal as a win-win, given that Fields' deal gives the franchise an out after the 2025 season.

If Fields plays good to great, then New York has him in 2026 for just $20 million, but if things go south, they can part ways without getting burned too much.

But for Pro Football Network, in trying grading the Jets' offseason work, the publication gives it a C+, but it all starts and stops with whether or not Fields can be "that" guy for the franchise.

"What will make or break this offseason for the Jets is the gamble on Justin Fields as the new QB1 for $40 million over two years," Pro Football Network writes. "After a season of playing backup to Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh and previously failing in Chicago, Fields gets the chance to restart his career in East Rutherford, N.J."

In truth, Fields' actions on the field won't make or break anything.

The Jets know he's a bridge option until the franchise can find its long-term answer at the position. So even if Fields does set the world on fire, we aren't sure if the Jets will view him as the leader for the foreseeable future.

Of course, Glenn still wants to win in 2025, so if Fields can show something in Tanner Engstrand's offense and be more productive than the offense last year, which likely won't be too challenging, depending on how the draft goes, then the Jets will be in business.

Fields is essentially a dart throw for the Jets as they await the true heir to the quarterback throne in New York, and for Justin, he gets a chance to kickstart his career in the Big Apple in the hopes of eventually being "the" guy for someone down the track.

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

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