Why Jets GM still believes QB Justin Fields can revive career

Numerous reports have suggested that New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields' preseason performances show he hasn't improved as a passer as the club had hoped when it signed him to a two-year contract in March. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, first-year Jets general manager Darren Mougey explained why he still believes Fields can prove to be a long-term answer for the club.

"I've seen him improve every day — specifically, this past week," Mougey said about Fields, per ESPN's Rich Cimini.  "I think we've really seen good rhythm out at practice with the offense — a balanced attack, some runs, some pass, but just the overall operation, the command, his leadership. ... So, seeing that growth has been really good."

Most recently, Fields led the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers to a 4-2 record before he lost the starting job to a healthy Russell Wilson. Before that, Fields went 10-28 as a starter and completed 60.3 percent of his total pass attempts while with the Chicago Bears from 2021 through the 2023 season. 

That said, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are two examples of quarterbacks who guided franchises to playoff berths after multiple teams discarded them. On Thursday, Mougey noted that he thinks Fields can follow in the footsteps of former reclamation projects such as Mayfield and Darnold. 

"I've seen progress during this camp and look forward to seeing the progress throughout the season as they all come together," Mougey added during his comments about Fields. "Obviously, it's his third stop in three years with three different coordinators and a lot of moving parts, so it does take time. But I like where he's at and I look forward to watching the progress."

The Jets can escape Fields' deal as soon as next offseason if he either disappoints with his play or suffers an injury. Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand recently noted that he likes where Fields is at "with the dropback passing concepts" heading into Gang Green's Week 1 game against the Steelers on Sept. 7. 

If nothing else, Fields will get an opportunity to show Pittsburgh what they could have had instead of Aaron Rodgers this season.