NY Jets must not let Justin Fields signing derail their long-term QB plans

The New York Jets have their quarterback — for now. The signing of Justin Fields solidifies the position, hopefully for at least the next two seasons and possibly beyond.

But nothing is guaranteed. Fields is an exceptionally talented athlete who has shown he can be a solid quarterback when given the opportunity. However, he’s not the type of player who allows the Jets to lock in their quarterback position for the next five years or more.

He absolutely has the potential to turn into that, but it is far from a certainty.

With this being the case, the Jets should not shy away from adding a QB in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they don't think any of the rookie options are worth the pick, they should obviously consider another position.

But if the Jets see real potential in Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, or any other available quarterback, they shouldn’t hesitate to make a move. Having insurance at the most important position in football is never a bad thing.

The Jets shouldn't rule out drafting a QB after signing Justin Fields

Justin Fields has had one of the roughest situations since entering the league. After a standout career at Ohio State, he was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021. He somehow endured two separate dysfunctional eras in Chicago — first under Matt Nagy, then under Matt Eberflus.

His talent was evident from the start. A big, athletic quarterback with speed rivaled only by Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, Fields had all the tools. However, his passing remained inconsistent, and he couldn’t overcome the mess that was the Bears.

Fields has always flashed the talent, though, and he finally got an opportunity to start in Pittsburgh — until he didn't. After a 4-2 record and completing 68.5% of his passes with five touchdowns and just one interception, the Steelers opted to bench him for Russell Wilson. Then, a few months later, we ended up here.

Fields has faced plenty of adversity, which is only a positive. He’s tough, resilient, and the type of player who can develop into a solid starter, given the talent and potential he has already displayed.

But he isn't C.J. Stroud. He isn't Jayden Daniels. He isn't Justin Herbert. He isn't at the caliber yet where you can pencil him in on the depth chart indefinitely. He has a two-year contract for a reason. He has to prove it.

The Jets clearly believe in him — they just handed him a $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. But if they see a quarterback in the draft with significant potential, and he’s available at a reasonable spot, there’s no reason they shouldn’t take the chance.

It could be at pick No. 7 overall, or more likely, at No. 42, No. 73, or a pick they trade into. It could be a higher-end prospect like Quinn Ewers or Jalen Milroe or someone else entirely. But if the Jets believe in a quarterback and the value is right, they shouldn’t hesitate. Fields shouldn’t be the reason they pass.

Reports have made it clear that Fields expects to be guaranteed the starting job. Drafting a quarterback wouldn't change that. He will be the 2025 starter, but in theory, the Jets might need a quarterback in 2026 or 2027. What's better than a ready-made guy?

If Fields lives up to his full potential, you can just re-sign him and trade his backup. The only downside is "wasting" a pick, but at that position, insurance cannot be considered a waste.

They likely don’t love any of the quarterbacks in this draft, and that’s perfectly fine. But the key is that they can’t let this signing make them complacent.

It's the most important position in sports. They cannot rest on their laurels.

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