Jets have a big plan for Justin Fields: ‘He can be one of those guys’
The New York Jets is not on his third team in three years but there remains real confidence that he can finally live up to his incredible potential.
When the Chicago Bears took Justin Fields with their first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they hoped they were getting a long-term solution at quarterback.
Instead, the five-star college recruit recorded three losing seasons in Chicago, before an unsuccessful spell with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Fields has now moved on to the New York Jets for his third team in as many years, but there’s real optimism that he might be about the start living up to his potential.
In recent years the likes of Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield have showed that some QBs need time to adjust to the NFL. They flourished after tough starts to their professional careers and there is hope that Fields will do the same.
“I do believe Justin can be one of those guys,” Jets general manager Darren Mougey said Thursday morning. “I’ve seen progress during this camp and look forward to seeing the progress throughout the season as they all come together.
“Obviously, it’s his third stop in three years with three different coordinators and a lot of moving parts, so it does take time,” Mougey added. “But I like where he’s at and I look forward to watching the progress.”
At the end of 2024 the Jets parted company with Aaron Rodgers and have thrown their hopes behind Fields. The 26-year-old has signed a two-year deal worth $40 million and he was quickly confirmed as the team’s starting quarterback.
“I really like where Justin is at with the dropback passing concepts,” Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand said. “He understands what we’re trying to do. He understands what we’re trying to attack, where the ball needs to go, and I think, every day we’re showing progress from Justin.”
He will get the chance to show that in Week 1, when the Jets take on the Steelers at MetLife Stadium. It’s a fascinating match-up, with both Rodgers and Fields taking on their former teams in the 2025 opener. Which will come out on top?
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