Latest report makes it clear Justin Fields wanted the NY Jets all along

The New York Jets identified Justin Fields as their preferred quarterback target early in their search for a new QB. Once the Jets made the decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers, the new Jets regime of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn knew exactly who they wanted to be his replacement.

Fields had just wrapped up his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he posted a 4-2 record as a starter and showed signs of growth. The Jets saw an opportunity to bet on his upside as a bridge quarterback, especially when considering the alternatives available in free agency.

They weren't alone. The Steelers also made a strong push to bring Fields back for another season despite benching him just six games into last year. Fields was reportedly a top priority for the Steelers in free agency.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler made an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show on Monday and reported that the Steelers put together a "very competitive" offer for Fields late in the process. Fowler insisted Pittsburgh was "all in" on the former Ohio State quarterback.

In the end, Fields chose the Jets over a similar offer from the team he spent all of 2024 with. The Jets didn’t just want Fields — he wanted them, too.

Justin Fields wanted to sign with the NY Jets

Fields was the most logical choice for the Jets once they moved on from Rodgers. With the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a weak quarterback market, the Jets didn't have any straightforward path to landing a long-term quarterback solution this offseason.

That's why signing a bridge starter with the goal of searching for a long-term solution in 2026 or 2027 became a plausible and appealing option for the Jets. Fields was the most attractive candidate.

The former Chicago Bears starter provides the Jets with a dynamic, starting-caliber quarterback who adds a new dimension to their offense. He also brings the allure of untapped potential, giving the team at least a glimmer of hope that, if everything clicks, he could develop into a long-term solution.

There wasn't another quarterback on the open market who could offer those qualities. Fields was an obvious choice for the Jets, but the inverse was true as well.

The Jets offer Fields his best chance not just to win a starting job, but to keep it. Until further notice, he’s the unquestioned QB1 in New York. He’ll have the opportunity to play behind a strong offensive line while teaming up with two young stars in Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall to elevate the offense.

Most importantly, the Jets give Fields the security he never had in Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin benched him just six games in, despite solid play, creating an unstable situation. It’s tough to sell a quarterback on a future with a team that didn’t hesitate to sideline him.

The Jets were the right fit for Justin Fields, just as he was the right fit for them. Now, it’s up to both sides to prove that this partnership can be more than just a short-term fix.

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