Jets may have to rethink QB2 job after Justin Fields’ awkward admission

The New York Jets made the long-overdue decision to bench Justin Fields two weeks ago in a move that seemingly ended the former Chicago Bears quarterback's career in Florham Park.

The Jets have turned the reins of the offense over to veteran Tyrod Taylor, who has performed admirably over the last two games. However, it seems the Jets may not be done with Fields quite yet.

Jets coaches apparently approached Fields about being used in potential Wildcat packages ahead of the team's Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. The only problem is that Fields doesn't seem to have much interest in that.

Fields told reporters that he has "mixed feelings" about the idea, insisting that going in cold could increase "the potential for a soft-tissue injury." It's an understandable perspective, but it’s also an awkward admission for a backup quarterback whose value should come from versatility and availability.

Fields has now been the QB2 for two straight games while Taylor continues to play well, and his reluctance here raises a fair question. What exactly is the point of keeping him as QB2?

Jets could relegate Justin Fields to QB3 after awkward admission of reluctance

This isn’t necessarily about Fields refusing to play. It’s more about what the Jets are getting out of keeping him in that role. As the backup, he isn’t seeing the field, he isn’t being used in any of the situational packages the staff has floated, and, based on his own comments, he isn’t totally comfortable with that part of the job anyway.

That doesn’t help the Jets right now, and it doesn’t offer them anything long-term. Fields is widely expected to be released after the season, so there’s really no developmental value in continuing to give him the QB2 reps in practice.

Someone like third-string practice squad rookie quarterback Brady Cook, on the other hand, would benefit from those reps. That was the essence of the earlier argument for elevating him to QB2 after Fields was initially benched.

If this season is about evaluation and the Jets don’t see Fields as part of their 2026 plans, it makes far more sense to let Cook handle the backup workload in practice.

Giving Cook consistent QB2 reps now gets him ready for possible late-season action and gives the Jets a clearer picture of what they have before entering an offseason where they’re almost certainly drafting a quarterback.

Meanwhile, Taylor is doing exactly what the Jets need him to do. He finished 19-of-33 for 172 yards and a touchdown against Atlanta, adding 44 rushing yards and a second score on the ground. He’s stabilizing the offense and giving the Jets competent play. The starting job isn't the issue here.

At this point, Fields’ value as QB2 is minimal. He’s not the future, he’s not being used in packages, and he’s hesitant about the very role that would give him purpose on game day. The Jets don’t need that. They need clarity and evaluation. And they need to use the final stretch of the season wisely.

If Fields is reluctant to contribute on game days, there's no reason to keep him active. Let someone else handle the backup reps.