Jets player makes bold Justin Fields prediction that fans will love

Justin Fields is the new sheriff in town for the New York Jets — at least for now. Despite being regarded as one of the NFL’s most polarizing signal-callers, the 26-year-old was signed to a two-year deal by Gang Green back in March.

The former Ohio State standout has long been the subject of media debate. Is he truly talented enough to be a future franchise QB, or is he merely a gifted athlete still struggling to put it all together under center?

If you watched Friday's practice, you would have been impressed. He looked pristine after suffering a dislocated toe a little over a week prior. His performances in practice in subsequent days haven't been as stellar, but the flashes have been there this summer.

In Chicago, he showed glimpses of brilliance both through the air and on the ground, but organizational ineptitude and the opportunity to draft Caleb Williams sent him packing before he could say “Da Bears.” Fields was then traded to Pittsburgh and was merely okay in the six starts he made in 2024.

Last season, Fields threw for a career-worst 1,106 yards and amassed just five passing touchdowns. It was a forgettable season under run game guru Arthur Smith that left people with more questions than answers.

Now he’s in Florham Park, trying to rewrite his story in what could be his last rodeo as an NFL starter. While the fans may not be all in, Fields received a massive vote of confidence from one of his new teammates.

Second-year cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers sang praises towards the former five-star recruit as he hopes his third NFL stop is his final. “He’s very athletic. He’s very fast. And he’s going to take us to the playoffs,” Stiggers told ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

Formerly a CFL All-Star and Most Outstanding Rookie, Stiggers was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and has carved out a role as a backup in New York. And while he’s still making a name for himself entering Year 2, he’s clearly seen enough from Fields in training camp to warrant a bold statement like that.

Could Justin Fields put an end to the Jets' playoff drought?

For Fields, it’s exactly the kind of internal backing he needs for the Jets to silence his doubters. Florham Park has not witnessed playoff football since 2010, and not even Fields’ successor in Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers. could end the stint during his time in green and white. Mark Sanchez is the last Jets QB to start a playoff game.

So if the former two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year could do the unthinkable, he would become a fan favorite overnight. The guy would probably never have to buy a beer in the tri-state area again. Not to mention his career would be resurrected. 

And truth be told, there's plenty to like about this Jets roster. This is still a similar squad to the one that was deemed “a quarterback away” before acquiring Rodgers.

Head coach Aaron Glenn is restoring the team’s identity, the retooled offensive line looks excellent, and Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson are primed to thrive in Tanner Engstrand’s new system.

Add in a defensive unit that was top five in total defense in each of the last three years, and Fields has the support system to make people eat their words. He finally has what he lacked in Chicago and Pittsburgh: structure and, more importantly, belief. 

The Jets don’t need him to be a superstar. They just need him to be consistent, smart, and ready for the spotlight. And if Stiggers’ words are any indication, that’s exactly what he’ll be.

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