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yesterday

Jets Back Justin Fields as Week 1 Starter After GM’s Late-Bloomer Pitch

The club frames his shot as a short-term bet backed by a run-first plan with contractual flexibility.

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Jun 11, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) speaks at a press conference during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 16: Justin Fields #7 of the New York Jets in action during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 16, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 31-12.
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Overview

  • General manager Darren Mougey compared Fields’ trajectory to Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, citing steady camp progress and the quarterback’s selection as a team captain.
  • Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal in March after the Jets released Aaron Rodgers, and reporting notes the team could exit the contract after one season via a June 1 designation that would save roughly $10 million.
  • Preseason tape was sparse and uneven, with Fields going 4-of-9 for 46 yards and no throws beyond nine air yards, though OC Tanner Engstrand and coach Aaron Glenn said they are encouraged by his command and dropback work.
  • The offense is built to lean on the ground game with Breece Hall and Braelon Allen and to feature rookie TE Mason Taylor, while uncertainty persists at receiver beyond Garrett Wilson with options such as Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard and Arian Smith.
  • This is Fields’ third team in three years and his fourth offensive system in five, and some outlets have suggested the Jets could target a 2026 draft quarterback if this season does not show meaningful progress.