The New York Jets have had an embarrassing history of first-round quarterbacks not working out with them. Usually, the embarrassment and disappointment comes from quarterbacks that they themselves have drafted. The Jets' newest starter under center hopes to buck that trend.
Former Ohio State Buckeye standout Justin Fields inked a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets this offseason, reuniting him with his former college teammate and Jets star Garrett Wilson.
Fields was never able to put things together with the Chicago Bears, who selected him with the No. 11 overall pick in 2021. Fields had something of a reclamation year in Pittsburgh, going 4-2 as a starter before Russell Wilson became healthy enough to reclaim the starting spot. With no clear competition for his starting role, Fields has high hopes for his first year as a Jet.
“I think I can be great,” Fields said Thursday, via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. “That’s been the goal for me my whole life, my whole career. I think the sky’s the limit for this team, for this offense, but we do have a long way to go.”
The Jets deployed a talented roster last season, but woefully underperformed, posting a 5-12 season. The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh after five games in 2024, and the Jets continued to torpedo down the standings from there, going 3-9 in their final 12 games.
With a new head coach in Aaron Glenn, things are hopefully looking up for the Jets. And fans are desperate for a change in direction for a franchise that hasn't posted a winning season since Randy Moss' first retirement.
“Our offense and defense are new, so guys are really tuned in and locked in and trying to get everything down,” Fields said. “But I think once we do, I think the sky’s the limit. I mean, we have all the guys we need, we have all the talent, so it’s really just going to come down to discipline and execution.”
If Fields can excel as the Jets' starting quarterback, it'd be a steal of a contract for the Jets. With just a $20 million salary, Fields would be one of the lowest paid starting quarterbacks in the NFL who is not on a rookie contract.