This is a big season ahead for Justin Fields.
The New York Jets signed him to take over as their starting quarterback. Last year, Fields got six starts with the Steelers but was then benched when Russell Wilson returned from injury.
ESPN's Ben Solak described this as Fields' "last chance."
At the very least, to bend Solak's words a bit, it's Fields' last best chance. If he doesn't come through for the Jets, his athleticism will be overshadowed by inconsistencies and potentially doom him to be a backup.
If Fields delivers, though, he might have a long-term starting job.
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"Now, the Jets have few pass catchers behind Garrett Wilson, but they have a pretty solid offensive line," Solak writes. "I don't think they'll tip their hand (and put Fields in harm's way) too much during training camp, but I'll be watching the reports closely. And I won't be surprised if we see a 2022-like season for Fields. Back then, he posted 160 carries for 1,143 yards, the second most all time for a quarterback. If he can replicate that season with his legs, while getting more passing game help from Engstrand and Wilson than he ever got in Chicago, there just might be something there."
It certainly does seem like signing Fields comes with the understanding that you're going to let him cook with his legs.
If the Jets do that, they might find their way to an effective offense.
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