Jets hit turbulence with potentially calamitous injury

The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract this offseason, its first under head coach Aaron Glenn, hired in January 2025.

Last season, the No. 11 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft started six games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, going 4-2 and completing 65.8 percent of his pass attempts for 1,106 yards (6.9 yards per attempt), five touchdowns and one interception. He also had 62 carries for 289 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Fields began his career with the Bears (2021-23) but was traded to the Steelers in March 2024 as Chicago made room for last year's No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

In 2022, Fields rushed for 1,143 yards, the second-most by a quarterback in NFL history.

Fields began training camp on a promising note, showing off the connection he established with star Jets receiver Garrett Wilson, who recently received a four-year, $130 million extension, while the two were teammates at Ohio State from 2019-20.

The Jets went 5-12 in 2024, missing the postseason for a 14th consecutive year, extending the longest playoff drought in franchise history.

While little is expected of New York in its first season under fresh leadership, the team might find it difficult to reach even the lowest of expectations depending on the severity of Fields' injury.

Veteran Tyrod Taylor, entering his 15th season, is the current QB2 on the Jets depth chart. While he's a competent, serviceable fill-in, at this stage of his career he can't be expected to produce any better than an average replacement.

The Jets haven't even reached the first weekend of their 2025 training camp and already have concerns about their quarterback's health. It could be a long season in Florham Park.