Best NY Jets starting QB option in 2025 is hiding in plain sight on contender

The NY Jets will likely be saying goodbye to Aaron Rodgers in the very near future, which leaves them without a quarterback that can take them to the postseason. The Jets missed the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, and it seems like they are destined for yet another losing season in 2025.

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jets will likely miss out on Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders due to their 4-12 record. New York will likely be hesitant to select Alabama's Jalen Milroe, which would leave free agency as the only way to improve their quarterback room.

The quarterback room, at this point in time, would consist of veteran backup Tyrod Taylor and a fifth-round pick in Jordan Travis who was not selected with the goal of becoming a long-term starter.

After the year of former top picks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold thriving in better situations, the Jets need to try their own shot at rebooting with a former first-round pick in Justin Fields under center.

Jets must consider Steelers QB Justin Fields as QB1 in 2025

Fields put together two somewhat decent seasons with the Chicago Bears, but they appear to have made the right move by landing a superior passer in Caleb Williams. Fields, who has a 1,000-yard rushing season to his name ended up being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started six games.

If Fields' stats as a starter with Pittsburgh were extrapolated out to a full 17-game season, he would have 3,141 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 66% of his passes and adding in 14 rushing touchdowns. Sadly, that would be one of the best Jets quarterback seasons ever. New OC Arthur Smith has worked well with him.

The biggest issue with Fields is the fact he holds the ball too long and is very indecisive in the pocket. While he got better at working around this in Pittsburgh, and the Jets' offensive line is officially a solid unit that can keep him upright, he hasn't totally fixed his problem.

The Jets could also screw up their coaching hires, as a sharp offensive mind is needed to get the most out of his very specific skillset.

The Jets will likely miss the playoffs again, but rolling with Fields could be one way to at least go for broke in a year where there will be minimal expectations placed on this team. If he hits his stride, Fields may end up finally giving the Jets a younger quarterback they can shout about.

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