Jets’ Justin Fields Must Outshine Patriots QB To Make Fans Forget Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets’ decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason was a bold choice.

By cutting ties with Rodgers, first-time head coach Aaron Glenn and first-time general manager Darren Mougey placed their faith in Justin Fields as the franchise quarterback. 

Which leads to a question: What does Fields have to do in 2025 to reward Glenn’s and Mougey’s trust?

One way of gauging Fields’s performance will be to evaluate him beside some of the other quarterbacks in the AFC, and more specifically, within the division.

It’s not outlandish to claim that, for the Jets to thrive next season and beyond, Fields must decisively separate himself from New England Patriots’ Drake Maye and Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa, two divisional rivals. 

While Fields doesn’t need to surpass Buffalo Bills’ reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen—an unrealistic benchmark—he must deliver a Pro Bowl-caliber season to validate the Jets’ move away from Rodgers and ignite hope among a skeptical fanbase.

Fields was acquired to bring dynamism to the Jets’ offense. He has shown flashes of brilliance with his dual-threat ability, but consistency remains his hurdle. 

Fields has the physical tools to dominate, but he must refine his passing accuracy and decision-making, leveraging his mobility to extend plays without forcing turnovers. A stat line approaching 3,500 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 800 rushing yards would signal Pro Bowl potential and elevate the Jets’ offense.

The AFC East will be highly competitive, and Fields’ ability to outduel Maye and Tagovailoa in head-to-head matchups will define the Jets’ playoff chances.

A breakout season would not only secure the Jets’ faith in Fields but also prove they were right to bet on youth over Rodgers’ fading star.