Justin Fields’ time with the New York Jets already feels like it’s coming to an end. Given his recent benching and how poorly he's played this season, it’s hard to imagine many scenarios where he’s still on the roster in 2026.
The Jets are expected to reset the quarterback position entirely, likely targeting a young quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, which should leave Fields searching for a new home.
The Jets could explore trading him, but the reality is that any deal would probably require the Jets to eat most of his contract and possibly attach a draft pick just to move the remaining money. No team is bringing him in as a starter at this point.
Still, Fields is intriguing as a backup, especially behind a mobile quarterback, where his skill set fits naturally. Maybe not in Florham Park, but somewhere. So where could he land next?
Realistic Justin Fields destinations for 2026
1. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons make plenty of sense as a landing spot for Fields. Michael Penix Jr. just tore his ACL and may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season, and even if he is, he hasn’t fully locked in his status as the franchise quarterback yet.
Fields, a Georgia native, would essentially be returning home in a low-pressure backup role. With Kirk Cousins likely gone, the Falcons will need a viable No. 2 who can step in if Penix isn’t healthy or struggles early.
Fields’ mobility also mirrors Penix’s play style enough to keep the offense functional if he’s forced into action. This is one of the more natural fits on the board.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens might be the single best schematic fit for Fields. His mobility and play style mirror Lamar Jackson’s more closely than any backup the team has had in years outside of Tyler Huntley.
He would represent a massive upgrade over Huntley and especially Cooper Rush, whose signing never made sense and predictably backfired when he was forced into action this season.
Fields would give Baltimore a legitimate high-upside QB2 who could keep the offense afloat if Jackson ever missed time. In many ways, this is the role he feels most naturally suited for right now.
3. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are another logical landing spot for Fields. Jayden Daniels has already dealt with multiple injuries in his second season, missing significant time, and Washington currently relies on Marcus Mariota as its veteran safety net.
Mariota has played well in that role, but he may not be back in 2026. Fields would be an excellent stylistic match, offering similar mobility and allowing the offense to stay on script if Daniels misses time.
And if Kliff Kingsbury remains the offensive coordinator rather than taking a head-coaching job, he’s the type of coach who could help revive Fields’ game even in a backup capacity.
4. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are another team that makes a ton of sense for Justin Fields. They currently have no reliable backup quarterback on the roster, and this is the same team that had Tim Boyle competing for the QB2 job after Will Levis went down.
There’s no guarantee Levis will even be on the roster in 2026, and if he’s not, Fields would be an ideal No. 2 behind rookie Cam Ward, who has struggled through a difficult first season.
Fields would give Tennessee much-needed insurance behind a young quarterback still finding his footing. Stylistically, he also fits what the Titans want to run with Ward — both are mobile, off-script threats who thrive outside the pocket. This pairing makes a lot of sense for a rebuilding team looking for stability behind its young starter.
5. New York Jets
Yes, there is actually a scenario where Fields could remain with the Jets in 2026. He’s still under contract next season, and cutting him would cost the Jets $20 million in dead cap, which would be a tough pill to swallow for an owner already set to pay $35 million in dead money for Aaron Rodgers.
Woody Johnson may not want to pay three different quarterbacks next year just to fill one roster spot. If the Jets draft a quarterback early, keeping Fields as the No. 2 might be the most economical choice, even if it isn’t ideal on paper.
He wouldn’t be the long-term answer, but he could function as a bridge or placeholder while a rookie develops. It’s not the most enticing or likely outcome, but it’s absolutely still a possibility,
