The way forward for Justin Fields with the Jets stays unknown.
After he was benched for Tyrod Taylor final week resulting from poor play, it’s clear the Jets could have a brand new beginning quarterback in 2026.
However Fields, 26, is beneath contract for subsequent season after signing a two-year, $40 million contract final March. The Jets can launch Fields after only one season and save $10 million.
Gang Inexperienced will want a veteran backup quarterback, irrespective of who the starter is subsequent season. So there’s a case to be made that Fields may keep on board.
Let’s look at the potential choices for Fields.
OPTION 1: RELEASE FIELDS WITH JUNE 1 DESIGNATION
Transferring on from Fields looks as if the probably state of affairs for each side. The Jets can seek for a viable backup quarterback to pair with their anticipated rookie QB. This may additionally give Fields one other likelihood at a brand new begin in an space that could be quieter than the New York market.
When requested if Fields had a future with the franchise, Jets coach Aaron Glenn danced across the query.
“Man, that’s a ways down the road,” he stated.
It’s laborious to think about Fields staying with the Jets. Along with being criticized by followers and media alike, Fields was lambasted by proprietor Woody Johnson and blamed for the group’s 0-7 begin to the season.
Why would Fields wish to return to a spot the place he was benched after which ripped by the group’s proprietor? There may be additionally a monetary facet to think about with Fields, which is why the Jets will seemingly wish to transfer on.
Fields is about to make $20 million in 2026, with half of that totally assured. If the Jets launch Fields, they are going to be left with a $22 million cap cost they will unfold over two years with a June 1 designation. Take note, the Jets nonetheless have Aaron Rodgers’ useless cap hit on the books after they launched him in March. Rodgers’ cap hit is $49 million, which they’re spreading between 2025 ($14 million) and 2026 ($35 million).
The Jets can do the identical with Fields, which might lead to a $13 million useless cap hit in 2026. If the Jets launch Fields, they might have $48 million of useless cap cost on two quarterbacks not on the roster. Gang Inexperienced is anticipated to have over $100 million in wage cap house in 2026.
OPTION 2: KEEP FIELDS AS QB2
The Jets will want a backup quarterback and a bridge participant, with a younger quarterback anticipated to return to Florham Park. So, there could possibly be some thought to preserving Fields with the Jets for another season. Taylor, 36, will likely be a free agent at season’s finish.
But when the Jets know the Fields experiment will not be working, what’s the purpose of preserving him for monetary causes? Fields is a quarterback who has a novel set of attributes that may be profitable in sure offenses. Clearly, the Jets offense hasn’t been one in all them.
The opposite subject with preserving Fields is that his taking part in model might differ from the quarterback the Jets choose subsequent April. It’s broadly believed that they may draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who’s extra of a pocket passer however can scramble when move rushers come his means.
It might be extra helpful for the Jets to have a veteran quarterback who’s much like Mendoza, ought to they determine to pick out him.
OPTION 3: RESTRUCTURE CONTRACT
That is in all probability the least seemingly choice as a result of Fields generally is a backup quarterback in a distinct location. Groups just like the Ravens, Titans or the Falcons could possibly be on the hunt for an skilled backup subsequent 12 months.
Fields in all probability gained’t make as cash as he did with the Jets in a brand new location, however some group will kick the tires on a participant who has began 53 video games within the league.
PREDICTION:
It appears all however sure the Jets could have a brand new quarterback subsequent 12 months. It seems to be like it’s best for everybody that the Jets transfer on from Fields.
It’s laborious to fault the Jets for making an attempt the Fields experiment, however it simply didn’t work for a wide range of causes.
