The New York Jets are onto the next chapter in their ever-lasting quarterback trials.
Justin Fields, 26, is preparing to step in under center following inking a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million fully guaranteed.
It's a steep commitment to a young quarterback who has only shown flashes of promise in his seasons with the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In four seasons, Fields has thrown for an average of 155 yards throughout 50 appearances.
What does stand out, however, is his prowess as a running quarterback; Fields has averaged 50 yards per game and set the second-highest quarterback season rushing total in the history of football in 2022.
An anonymous NFL QB coach told The Athletic that Fields wields elite potential via his athleticism, which can only benefit the Jets.
"Fields is the best athlete on the field every time he plays," the QBs coach said. "He's really young. He's a tough guy, physically and mentally. He can play in that style of (dual-threat) offense at a higher level than Sam Darnold can play in a traditional style of offense."
Only Lamar Jackson, who has won NFL MVP twice, has more rushing yards to begin a career than Fields.
New Jets head coach is touted for his defensive mind that helped elevate the Detroit Lions in recent years; Fields trotted for more than 100 yards in three different games against Glenn although the Bears lost all three times.
"What they did in Detroit on offense and what Fields does are at opposite ends of the spectrum," the coach said. "It will take a really good coaching effort to put all that together."
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This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 9:31 AM.