The New York Jets have stumbled out of the gate this season, sitting at 2-8 as questions pile up across the roster. The team’s offense has struggled, and coach Aaron Glenn made a bold move this week by benching Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor, signaling a search for answers under center.
Fields, a former first-round pick signed in free agency, failed to solidify the job and struggled in key starts. Glenn said plainly, “I’m evaluating everything, to be honest with you.” The switch was meant to stop the slide and help the Jets regroup.
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A costly dead-money dilemma
The benching clears the path to a broader reset, but it also exposes a painful financial reality. If the Jets cut Justin Fields before June 1, the team would absorb a $22 million cap charge. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, who was released earlier this year, will still count roughly $35 million against the 2026 cap.
As Rich Cimini wrote: “If the Jets cut Justin Fields before June 1, they will have a $22 million cap charge. Aaron Rodgers will count $35 million in 2026.”
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Justin Fields’ short stint in New York featured flashes of athleticism but inconsistent passing production. He completed 62.7 percent of his passes in nine starts and struggled to ignite the offense. Aaron Rodgers, meanwhile, remains a recent and high-profile mistake for the franchise a veteran signing that did not pan out and left the team paying the price.
General manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn must weigh draft options, free agency and possible trades while juggling salary-cap realities. The Jets have draft capital, and the front office may opt for a veteran bridge or draft a new starter. Either way, the club faces an expensive, uncomfortable reset.
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Major change seems inevitable next offseason.
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