Jets need replacement QB for Justin Fields, says ESPN insider

The New York Jets just signed Justin Fields this offseason to be their starting quarterback.

ESPN's Aaron Schatz thinks they should already be looking for Fields' replacement.

In an article discussing every NFL team's biggest needs following the draft, Schatz writes that the Jets' biggest need is quarterback.

Here's his logic:

"Just because a team thinks it has filled a hole doesn't mean it's filled. There is a possibility that free agent pickup Justin Fields will finally fulfill his NFL potential in his fifth season. But those odds are long.

"Fields had his best season in 2024 with a 50.8 QBR, but it came in a six-game sample. And that QBR would have ranked 23rd in the NFL if he had thrown enough passes to qualify. That's better than what the Jets got from Aaron Rodgers last season, but it still isn't good, and there is no guarantee Fields can match or improve on it. Tyrod Taylor is a fine backup, but you don't want him starting an entire season."

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It is true that the Jets didn't shell out record-setting money of any sort. Fields got a two-year, $40 million contract, a tame amount for a starting QB.

He's coming off a season in which he went 4-2 as the Steelers starter but then sat behind Russell Wilson the rest of the year, only getting specialty running packages here and there.

The former Ohio State star and Bears first-round draft choice is a dynamic runner whose passing often leaves just a bit to be desired.

At times last season for the Steelers, it seemed Fields was putting it together. But Pittsburgh clearly didn't trust him enough to let him keep the starting job (maybe a questionable decision, but that's neither here nor there at this point).

Now, we'll get to see how long the Jets stick behind Fields.

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