Jets make a decision on Aaron Rodgers’ long-term replacement

This offseason will be one of transition for the New York Jets as they look to turn the tide on a run of nine straight losing seasons. After going 7-10 in 2022 and 2023, the Jets could only manage five wins last season and they have decided to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Four-time NFL MVP never proved to be the missing piece for the Jets and they moved swiftly in the offseason, releasing him into free agency after the 2024 season. At the same time, the Jets picked up former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields in free agency but it wasn’t initially clear if he would be the designated starter for the start of the new season.

Speaking on Sunday, Jets general manager Darren Mougey was unequivocal: “We believe Justin is the starter... We believe in Justin. We believe we can win with Justin, so we’re excited about Justin.”

How much is Justin Fields’ contract worth?

Fields was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, before moving to the Pittsburgh Steelers after three mediocre seasons. He served as an understudy to Russel Wilson for 2024 and, although he was 4-2 as a starter, never did enough to claim No. 1 spot.

Nevertheless he is a clear talent and the Jets signed him with the hope that he could replicate the recent success of Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield elsewhere; two highly-rated draft picks who took time to show their quality in the NFL.

The Jets were able to sign Fields on a two-year contract worth $40 million, with $30 million of that coming in guaranteed payments. Fields only recently turned 26 and he could prove to be an astute signing if he can replicate the performances that made him a two-time Big Ten Quarterback of the Year in college.

“He has a quiet confidence about himself,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said. “He can really throw the deep ball really, really well. Obviously, his legs are something that’s dynamic not just in college but the NFL as well. I just think he’s ready to break out as a top-notch quarterback. So, he’s going to do everything he can to be one of the better ones and we are going to coach our asses off to make sure he does a good job out there.”

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