The New York Jets are officially in quarterback limbo. After another lackluster outing from Justin Fields in Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers, head coach Aaron Glenn declined to name a Week 8 starter. The uncertainty has fueled a full-blown quarterback controversy as the 0-7 Jets search for their first win of the season.
Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn watches from the sidelines in the second half during an NFL International Series game against the Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Glenn was blunt but noncommittal when asked on Monday if Fields would remain the starter. “That’s something I wanted to look at. _A lot of thought goes into naming a starting quarterback, “_ [he told](https://x.com/nyjets/status/1980281313107103850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1980281313107103850%7Ctwgr%5Eabfeb6a5d2b2c90f6f33ae3ffd1a2417e14299e3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yardbarker.com%2Fnfl%2Farticles%2Fwill_justin_fields_start_in_week_8_jets_coach_aaron_glenn_still_searching_for_answers_at_qb%2Fs1_13132_42929025) reporters during his weekly news conference.
The hesitation is understandable. Fields, signed to a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason, was benched at halftime after a dreadful 6-of-12 passing performance for just 46 yards. His first six half drives produced three points, continuing a trend of offensive stagnation.
Tyrod Taylor replaced him but provided little relief, going 10-for-22 for 126 yards and throwing two interceptions. The Jets’ offense managed only 225 total yards, and their lone scoring drive came via a short field goal. Glenn acknowledged the coaching staff’s role but did not absolve his quarterback, saying there’s blame for several things.
Glenn reportedly sought advice from fellow NFL coaches about managing a struggling quarterback room, signaling his growing frustration and urgency. With his team winless and ranked 31st in total offense, Glenn’s job security is now tied to his subsequent decision under center.
Fields’ struggles extend beyond one bad half. He’s thrown just three touchdowns with seven interceptions this season, posting a passer rating under 70.0 among the worst in the league. The patience is running thin for a franchise banking on his dual-threat ability.
Cutting him after the season is possible. According to _Over The Cap_, doing so would result in a $22 million dead cap hit in 2026, a manageable figure if the Jets pivot toward a rookie or low-cost veteran next year.
As the Jets prepare to face the 4-3 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8, Glenn’s decision could define his and Fields’ futures in New York. The franchise’s search for stability at quarterback has been an issue spanning over a decade and continues to haunt them.