Jets insider updates 'early prediction' for team's QB plan that could impact Steelers

While multiple recent reports indicated the Pittsburgh Steelers would prefer to re-sign backup quarterback Justin Fields instead of current starter Russell Wilson, team insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (h/t Steelers Depot) said during Sunday's edition of the KDKA "#1 Cochran Sports Showdown" program he is "completely keeping the door open for" Wilson to return. 

In a piece published on Monday morning, New York Jets reporter Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic shared that his "early prediction" is that Gang Green will sign Fields in free agency.

"There is still buzz around the possibility of Justin Fields as a target for the Jets — league sources believe that is the case — though he’s expected to garner interest from multiple teams," Rosenblatt explained. 

Both Fields and Wilson could begin speaking with other teams when the free-agent negotiating window opens March 10. Fields turns 26 years old on Wednesday and went 4-2 as a starter for the 2024 Steelers before head coach Mike Tomlin turned to Wilson in Week 7 of the season. Meanwhile, Wilson turns 37 in November. 

It's unclear how much a new Jets regime would offer Fields, who has also been linked in stories with quarterback-needy teams such as the New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns. On Sunday, NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY reported that "one league source" believes Wilson will be "the player the Giants ultimately land."

Rosenblatt hinted that pursuing Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons could be an option for the Jets if they miss out on Fields for whatever reason. Many reporters, if not most, expect that Cousins and the Falcons will break up, but it's worth mentioning that he previously had Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator when the two were with the Minnesota Vikings. 

Interestingly, Rosenblatt added that "Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders can’t be ruled out" for the Jets following the NFL Scouting Combine that wrapped up on Sunday. Sanders' draft stock is seemingly lower now than it's been throughout the winter, so much so that the Jets could sign a potential reclamation project quarterback such as Fields and still select Sanders via overall pick No. 7. 

Even if multiple teams pursue Fields, it's unlikely he'll put pen to paper on a contract that would prevent a club such as the Jets from spending a top draft pick on a quarterback.