Justin Fields, previously passed over by the New York Jets in the NFL draft four years ago, is now anticipated to become their leading quarterback. The Jets and Fields reached a two-year contract agreement valued at $40 million, according to an individual familiar with the details of the arrangement.
Sources indicate Fields will likely start over seasoned backup Tyrod Taylor to replace Aaron Rodgers, as the Jets have decided to proceed without the former four-time NFL MVP after two seasons. With Rodgers’ future plans for his NFL career uncertain, he is projected to be released by the team.
The contract terms for Fields, which include $30 million guaranteed, haven’t been disclosed by the team officially, obliging insiders to speak on anonymity. The deal was initially reported by a major sports network.
In addition to Fields, the Jets signed Brandon Stephens, a former Baltimore Ravens cornerback, under a lucrative three-year, $36 million contract, as per another knowledgeable source who preferred to remain anonymous.
Fields, at 26 years old, previously played with Pittsburgh following a three-season stint with the Chicago Bears. He entered the league as their 11th overall draft pick in 2021, coming out of Ohio State. During that draft, the Jets held the No. 2 overall pick but opted for quarterback Zach Wilson, who did not meet expectations and was subsequently traded to Denver.
Entering a new era with head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, the Jets hope Fields can rejuvenate his career. He is set to reunite with wide receiver Garrett Wilson, a college teammate, in an offensive lineup also featuring running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.
Fields accumulates a record of 7,780 passing yards and 45 touchdowns against 31 interceptions over 50 games, 44 of which he started in his four-year career. He also possesses significant rushing stats with 2,509 yards and 19 touchdowns.
The Fields agreement comes alongside the Jets’ new pact with linebacker Jamien Sherwood, securing him on a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed — retaining a crucial component of their defense.
Fields’ initial years in the NFL with the Bears were marked by inconsistency, yielding 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions over 38 starts. The struggle led the Bears, who had the No. 1 overall draft pick last year, to pursue Caleb Williams as their new starting quarterback and trade Fields to Pittsburgh for a modest draft return.
In Pittsburgh, Fields was designated as a backup to Russell Wilson, but an early-season injury to Wilson provided Fields his chance to start six games, guiding the Steelers to a fair 4-2 record with an equal number of passing and rushing touchdowns and only one interception. When Wilson returned, Fields largely remained on the bench.
With a new offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, the Jets aim to harness Fields’ dual threat capability, balancing his passing prowess with his athletic ability.
The addition of Stephens addresses the vacancy in the secondary left by D.J. Reed, who recently contracted with Detroit. Initially a safety, Stephens advanced to cornerback during his tenure with the Ravens after being drafted in 2021. He now likely starts opposite rookie sensation Sauce Gardner under the defensive leadership of Glenn and coordinator Steve Wilks.
Furthermore, the Jets secured their defensive lineup by placing a tender on restricted free agent safety Tony Adams, allowing them to match any competing team offers. The tender contract holds a one-year, $3.2 million value. Adams has been a regular starter in New York’s defensive scheme for the past two seasons.
