Jets make Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor decision for Ravens game

Shortly after the New York Jets fell to 2-8 on the season via a 27-14 loss at the New England Patriots (9-2) this past Thursday night, first-year Jets head coach Aaron Glenn hinted that he could bench Week 1 starting quarterback Justin Fields in favor of journeyman Tyrod Taylor for this coming Sunday's game at the Baltimore Ravens (5-5).

It appears Glenn made that decision final over the weekend. 

Tyrod Taylor replacing Justin Fields after multiple woeful outings

On Monday afternoon, Dianna Russini and Devon Henderson of The Athletic shared that Taylor will serve as the Jets' new QB1 for the Week 12 matchup at Baltimore. Glenn is benching Fields after the 26-year-old failed to reach at least 120 passing yards in a game five times across nine starts this season. Fields passed for under 60 yards in four of those contests. 

Most recently, Fields completed 15-of-26 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown versus New England. According to Pro Football Reference, he began Monday ranked 30th in the NFL among qualified players with a 37.7 adjusted QBR for the season. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show that the Jets ended the weekend ranked last in the league with an average of 139.9 passing yards per game. 

The Jets originally named Fields their starter shortly after they signed him to a two-year, $40M deal with $30M guaranteed this past March. However, subsequent reports revealed that the Jets are able to escape that contract during the upcoming offseason. Monday's developments essentially guarantee that the Jets will be in the market for an upgrade at the position when the new league year opens in March 2026. 

What Tyrod Taylor gave Jets in only start this season

As for Taylor, he tossed a costly interception that was taken to the house for a touchdown and completed 26-of-36 passes for 197 yards with two scores in a Week 3 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when Fields was sidelined due to a concussion. The 36-year-old won't be a long-term answer for any club, but multiple outside observers and analysts believe that Taylor gives the Jets the best chance to win games among the quarterbacks on their roster. 

Shortly after Monday's news broke, ESPN BET had the Jets as 14-point underdogs against the Ravens.