Jets to Bench Fields & Start Taylor at Quarterback

Jets to Bench Fields & Start Taylor at Quarterback

Entering the 2025 season, the New York Jets understood it was going to be a frustrating first year of the rebuild. After moving on from Robert Saleh and replacing him with a rookie head coach in Aaron Glenn, growing pains were expected. However, the gamble at quarterback has turned out even worse than initially expected. Earlier this year, the Jets signed Justin Fields to a 2-year deal with $40 million to be their starting quarterback. Initially, they hoped the former Ohio State product would capture the same college magic he had with Garrett Wilson. Sadly, that never happened.

The former 2021 first-round pick has had a rough season. While one would think throwing only one interception this season is a good year for Fields, it doesn’t excuse the rest of his poor play. Although he has completed 63% of his passes this year, Fields ranks 29th in passing yards and passing touchdowns. While he has contributed with four rushing touchdowns, his indecisiveness and lack of read progression have stalled drives and led to needless sacks. In fact, his reliance on Garrett Wilson alone has made it easier for defenses to disrupt the Jets offense. One can’t deny the athlete that Justin Fields is, but the game moves too fast for him to ever be a great quarterback.

Veteran Tyrod Taylor to Start at Quarterback

With the team deciding to move on from Justin Fields, that means veteran backup Tyrod Taylor will be the starter. The 36-year-old has been in the league since 2011 after being drafted in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens. After spending his first four years in Baltimore, Taylor signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2015. For three seasons, Taylor was the starter in Buffalo, amassing a record of 22-20 during that time. He performed admirably, having 65 total touchdowns over his three seasons. In addition, Taylor led Buffalo’s offense to the Bills first playoff appearance in 18 years at the time, before losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wildcard game.

After 2017, Taylor would play for various teams over time as a backup. Among them are the Cleveland Browns, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Houston Texans, and the New York Giants. Taylor joined the Jets in 2024 to be the backup behind Aaron Rodgers. Entering this season, Taylor missed time during training camp to rehab from surgery on his knee. As a result, he didn’t play a single snap of preseason football. One can assume that the missed time in the preseason led to the Jets hesitating on making the switch. However, with a 2-8 record, it makes little sense to keep trotting out Fields when he’s been unable to perform moderately. Thus far, Taylor has thrown three touchdowns to three interceptions for 379 yards and completed 62% of his passes.

A Preview of 2026?

Thus far, it’s safe to assume neither Justin Fields nor Tyrod Taylor has a shot at starting at quarterback in 2026. After the news-making trade deadline, the Jets gained three first-round picks over the next two offseasons. The options to upgrade at quarterback before general manager Darren Mougey are great. Many expect them to land a rookie quarterback in the draft. Perhaps even as early as the top of the first, where Indiana Hoosiers Heisman candidate Fernando Mendoza fits the offense. Or perhaps wait til 2027 when tantalizing Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin could be available. In addition, with three first-round picks in 2027, the Jets could opt to trade for a veteran quarterback as well.

However, the fact remains that moving on from Justin Fields is the right choice. In the early stages of the rebuild, the Jets need stability under center to assess the pieces on offense who could stay next year. Sadly, Fields is too mediocre to provide that right now. While Taylor isn’t leaps and bounds better. He does provide a level-headed execution that will allow Mougey and Glenn to get a fair assessment of the wide receiver room.