Jets may be able to trade Justin Fields after latest QB injury news

Much like Justin Fields and the perpetually dysfunctional New York Jets, the Atlanta Falcons have spent the last few years spinning their wheels in mediocrity. Their consistent misses at the quarterback position under GM Terry Fontenot have made them a 7-10 franchise year in and year out.

Both these teams may be looking for a new Week 1 starting quarterback in 2026. The Jets may draft someone due to the recently benched Fields struggling once again, but Atlanta may need some reinforcements after yet another injury to young quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

After suffering what was originally thought to be a less-serious knee injury, Penix will not undergo surgery on a partially torn ACL. The estimated recovery time is nine months, which is smack dab in the middle of August. Atlanta might be cautious with Penix, which could lead to him missing some time in the regular season.

The Falcons may need someone who can fill the void while they wait for Penix to get back on track, and the Jets need to wipe the slate clean of Fields. A trade between these two woe-begotten franchises might help both teams get a better handle on their quarterback situations.

Jets could trade Justin Fields to Falcons after Michael Penix Jr. ACL injury

The Falcons do have Kirk Cousins technically signed for a few more years, but all signs point to that marriage ending in divorce. Even with Fields being as bad as he is with the Jets, his athleticism gives him some upside that a post-injury Cousins simply does not have.

That admirable bastion of humanity that still thinks Fields needs to go to the right situation to unlock his true potential might be excited about going to Atlanta, as Bijan Robinson and Drake London would be the best running back and wide receiver he has ever had the pleasure of playing with.

The Jets do have Fields for one more year under contract. However, with his play declining, the owner openly badmouthing him, and more than enough financial wiggle room to absorb the money owed to him. A fresh start for both parties is needed in the worst way.

Fields will have a job in the NFL next year. Some team will take him on as a backup. By going to Atlanta, Fields might be able to give himself a few more games of starter-level film while also standing at the ready in case Penix gets hurt again.