FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets know that their 2025 season will hinge on the arm (and legs) of quarterback Justin Fields.
Being a first-round pick from the 2021 draft, Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets to be their starting quarterback this season. By giving him that contract, New York hopes they can turn him into a quality franchise quarterback.
Through his first month of offseason workouts, Fields has done everything needed to show that the Jets were right.
His leadership remains a big part of his game, and his knowledge of this new offense grows daily.
"The biggest takeaway I would say is that this guy is just a workaholic," Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand said ahead of minicamp on Wednesday. "He comes in early, he's here late, and he's trying to digest everything and download all the information and do things the right way.
"He's trying to do things that we're asking, and I think he's really put the next foot forward every day, just trying to stack days, and it's been really good."
Fields' struggles have been well documented. He struggles with holding onto the ball too long and isn't the most accurate passer in the league. New York believes it can create an offense to take advantage of his skill sets.
Has Fields turned a corner over the last month of Jets' workouts? Has he shown a mastery of the offense?
Through the first month, it's hard to say.
There are moments during practices when one can see the former Ohio State product's untapped potential. During Wednesday's workout, in particular, Fields made numerous highlight-reel plays from the pocket. One was a gorgeous 50-yard bomb to Garrett Wilson, and another was a short touchdown strike to Josh Reynolds.
When Fields is decisive and accurate, he can be a very good quarterback.
When he isn't, though, there are still signs of him holding onto the ball too long and lacking in anticipatory throws. Those have been on display as well.
Running with a new offense is always challenging for any quarterback. Learning a new playbook and getting on the same page with new teammates takes time.
The Jets remain pleased with where Fields is at currently … with hopes that his “workaholic” nature will continue keeping his arrow pointing up.