New York Jets' worst-case scenario for 2025 NFL season revealed

The New York Jets have taken a risky approach to the 2025 NFL season. They've gone all-in on quarterback Justin Fields, despite the former first-round pick's pro resume that's a mixed bag of incredible rushing highlights that are neutralized by pedestrian passing numbers.

Perhaps Fields' struggles can be mainly attributed to the Chicago Bears' history of organizational failure at quarterback. Fields' headstone is one of many in the Bears' QB graveyard, and while the former Ohio State star certainly would've preferred breaking the Bears' cycle of horrendous quarterback play, he'll get his second chance at being an unquestioned QB1 with the Jets.

Gang Green's history at quarterback hasn't been much better than Chicago's, which makes Fields -- who signed a two-year, $40 million contract this offseason -- an all-or-nothing proposition for the Jets in 2025.

And it's that proposition going south that was recently dubbed the New York Jets' worst-case scenario on offense. New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand will do whatever it takes to avoid that doomsday outcome.

The Jets might not be that committed to Fields financially, but they're more or less committed to giving him this season. Turning things over to Tyrod Taylor would be a worst-case scenario. That being said, the fit between Fields and Engstrand is hypothetical at this point.

Engstrand was able to contribute along with Ben Johnson in Detroit, but Jared Goff is a much different quarterback than Fields.

While Fields is a dynamic athlete, he isn't the best at playing within the timing of an offense. Engstrand will have his work cut out to find the perfect balance between catering to his strengths and getting the New York playmakers the ball.

If not, the Jets are going to be back to square one heading into the 2026 offseason.

I've long been a fan of Justin Fields and believe a change of scenery like New York is all it will take for him to reach his pro upside. He was an effective starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers during his six-game run in 2024, finishing 4-2 over that time. Indeed, he isn't the kind of quarterback who will lead the NFL in passing yards, but that shouldn't matter. He possesses enough playmaking ability to move the ball and put points on the board. The last time I checked, the team that scores more points wins, regardless of how they score them.

I'd bet on Fields making good on the faith the New York Jets are putting in him, and helping Gang Green make some noise in the AFC East and avoid that worst-case scenario.

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