A yr in the past, at the beginning of Pittsburgh’s coaching camp, Justin Fields was locked in a quarterback competitors with Russell Wilson.
Fields ultimately turned the Steelers’ quarterback to start the 2024 season, however was later benched after Wilson recovered from a calf damage.
After signing a two-year, $40 million contract in March, Fields is the clear-cut starter for the Jets.
“Last year, like I said, it was kind of in a weird position,” Fields stated on Wednesday. “But I think, you don’t have to do as much thinking and you kind of just know where you are and focus on getting better, focus on leading the team each and every day, so it’s just not as much other stuff going around, so it’s good.”
After giving him $30 million assured, the Jets are banking on Fields being their long-term answer at quarterback. He was 4-2 because the Steelers’ starter in six begins final season. He additionally completed with a career-high 65.8% completion share in restricted work, however Pittsburgh nonetheless benched him for Wilson.
Shortly after signing him, Jets coach Aaron Glenn stated the plan was to let Fields play quarterback, that means they’d develop him as a passer whereas using his athletic operating strengths.
There has at all times been untapped potential with Fields, which is why the Bears chosen him eleventh general within the 2021 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, he has been uneven as a passer, as evidenced by his 10-28 document as a starter, throughout which he threw for six,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions in three seasons.
Fields possesses the ability set for a later profession revitalization, because of his sturdy arm and skill to evade cross rushers. However he must turn out to be a extra constant passer.
Fields has by no means completed with a Complete QBR above 50.8 in a season. He additionally tends to carry onto the ball too lengthy, which might result in sacks and turnovers.
The hope is that Fields, 26, could be the newest former first-round quarterback who blossomed at a brand new zip code. If he doesn’t, the Jets may very well be searching for a brand new quarterback come subsequent spring, after they might transfer on from Fields.
It was a light-weight first day of coaching camp for Fields and the Jets on Wednesday. He accomplished 4 of seven passes throughout 11-on-11 drills, together with a wide-open deep cross to Garrett Wilson, his teammate at Ohio State.
“He’s as consistent as it is,” Glenn stated about Fields. “The best way that he operates in OTAs is identical manner he’s going to function in coaching camp. The factor is, you may see that he’s bettering, he understands he’s our man, however he additionally understands that he has to work for it.
“Just because you’re our guy doesn’t mean that you have a job to do and the guy behind you isn’t going to compete for the job either. But listen, he wants to be good, he expects to be good, and I expect him to be good, also. I just look forward to how he’s continued to operate on these camps day-by-day because I think he’s going to be a good one.”
TIPPMAN ‘SURPRISED’ BY COMPETITION
When the Jets signed middle Josh Myers to a one-year contract in March, it took a number of without warning. Beginning Jets middle Joe Tippmann was a kind of stunned individuals, however Glenn referred to as Tippmann shortly after the deal was made to elucidate his considering.
“I have that competition each and every day and you know, it’s something that’s only going to make me better,” Tippmann stated. “You know, pressure makes diamonds. So just being able to keep that in my mind that it’s an open competition and that I’m going to have to keep battling every day for that position.”
Tippmann, 24, had a strong sophomore marketing campaign for the Jets after rating No. 2 general in sacks allowed (5) amongst all facilities who took a minimum of 80% of the regular-season snaps. Thus far, he’s the chief within the clubhouse by way of being the Jets’ beginning middle.
Nevertheless, Myers has plenty of expertise himself, having began 56 video games in 4 seasons for the Packers.
There’s an open competitors all over the place,” Glenn stated. “Pay attention, our job is to ensure we do that: usher in the very best gamers we will, and each participant on this crew is aware of there’s going to be competitors each day.
“I will tell you this, that’s one of the things that we talked about, that’s one of the things we are trying to create, alright. That’s the only thing I’m going to tell you guys that I told them about, was being highly competitive.”
CORLEY BACK PRACTICING, SHAKY START
Malachi Corley practiced for the primary time since struggling an undisclosed damage through the spring, which saved him out of components of OTAs and necessary minicamp. However he has an extended strategy to go to show he deserves a 53-man roster spot.
Throughout 11-on-11 drills, Corley bobbled a cross from undrafted free agent Brady Cook dinner and in the end dropped it. The cross wasn’t excellent, however one Corley had in his palms and will have caught.
Initially Printed: July 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM EDT
