The New York Jets signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million prove-it deal this offseason. It was a great deal for New York, as if Fields lives up to the potential that got him drafted with the No. 11 overall selection, it's on a bargain contract, and they have their man for the future.
If Fields continues the struggles he showcased in Chicago, the contract is not going to tank the team. Fields has looked really impressive in OTAs, even getting a flowing review from NFL Network's Brian Baldinger.
Baldinger was a guest at one of the Jets' recent practices of OTAs and noted Fields' great physical tools, notably, his speed.
"He looked exceptionally fast," Baldinger said. "He was on the move quite a bit and threw well on the move. You saw him basically piercing the Jets' defense routinely. I thought he threw the ball well on the run. He took all the No. 1 repetitions with the starting offense. They used him in a variety of ways, but running the ball, he stood out."
While Baldinger's review spoke highly of Fields, it didn't quite touch upon Fields' throwing ability. He did mention that Fields "threw the ball well on the run," but it didn't hit on the weaknesses Fields has shown in the NFL.
It's also important to note that OTAs often favor offenses, playing with no pads and no contact. Baldinger's review focused primarily on Fields' legs, which we know is a great strength of his game and the one thing he's done very well at the pro level.
Fields' struggles come from him throwing the ball, particularly in the pocket with pressure collapsing. The truth is, if he can't get that part of the game down, he won't stick as a starter.
Fields has an advantage with the Jets, as New York is deploying an offensive line that is expected to be among the NFL's best. Fields will have the reigns as the starting quarterback, with Tyrod Taylor acting as the failsafe. It's clear by the team's decision to offer Fields a two-year deal that they're not fully confident he can stick as the long-term starter.