The New York Jets haven’t had the best year, even though they’re headed up by one of the most celebrated NFL quarterbacks of all time: Aaron Rodgers. Many NFL analysts and experts believe Rodgers’ time with the league may finally be up, and one analyst has an idea of who the Jets could pick up in free agency to take their team to the next level.
The Possibility of Quarterback Justin Fields to the New York Jets
In a December 9 feature for Bleacher Report, NFL expert Matt Holder says some good things about Rodgers. Regarding their game against the Dolphins, which they lost, he noted, “On the bright side, it was Aaron Rodgers first 300-yard performance in 35 games, and the duo of Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams have never looked so good together.”
He also noted that it was frustrating for Jets fans to see them lose the game in overtime. Now, the Jets are out of the playoff picture, for the most part.
But, next season, Holder thinks the Jets should sign quarterback Justin Fields of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“So much of what the Jets want to do this offseason will depend on whether Rodgers is back and who the head coach is going to be,” he states in the feature. “If the quarterback is going come back and the Jets are game for another run with the veteran, then they will likely draft a backup signal-caller who could take over.”
Holder added that “if the partnership is over, then the Jets may want to find a bridge quarterback who can allow them to take their time with a rookie at the position.”
That’s where Fields comes in, with Holder noting, “His run with Pittsburgh provided enough intrigue to get another crack at being a starter. If anything, his athleticism and running ability would give the offense a higher floor while a rookie prepares to start.”
More Talk of Justin Fields
Holder also mentioned Fields as an option for the Jets back in November.
At the time, Evan Massey of Sports Illustrated noted, “Looking ahead to the future, the New York Jets are going to be in a very interesting situation. Aaron Rodgers has another year or two left in him, but the Jets don’t currently have an heir apparent for him.”
He added that’s it’s not known when Rodgers will retire and that even if he doesn’t retire, he might leave the Jets. It doesn’t seem to be working out for him.
Massey notes that “if Rodgers has a plan in place of when he’s walking away and it fits a timeline that Fields could still be a long-term quarterback in New York, the two sides could make something work. Only time will tell what will happen with Fields and what the Jets will do at quarterback. They could opt to go another year before focusing on bringing in another potential starting caliber quarterback.”
He closes out the idea, stating, “Fields would be a very intriguing option if New York thinks that Rodgers could consider retirement following the 2025 season. Fields is definitely a name to keep an eye on.”