After weeks of speculation, Justin Fields’ time as the New York Jets’ starting quarterback has come to an end. He had plenty of chances to hold onto his job, but he could never deliver the winning results they wanted. Veteran journeyman Tyrod Taylor will take over as the starter, further proving that Mike Tomlin was right to let Fields leave the Pittsburgh Steelers this past offseason.
Rumors swirled around the Jets about a quarterback change weeks ago, but Taylor got injured. It derailed the plan to move on from Fields, but it was only a matter of time. New York sits with a 2-7 record with Fields leading the way, and after signing a massive contract in free agency this past March, the former Steelers backup is now benched once again.
The grass isn't always greener.
Tomlin was a major factor in Fields leaving Pittsburgh, despite significant fan pushback. The club went with Aaron Rodgers as their gunslinger this season. The grizzled veteran hasn't been great this season, but he has been an improvement over what Fields has provided the Jets. After signing a huge deal in free agency, it appears Fields could be looking for a new job next year.
Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin was right about Justin Fields and everyone should applaud him
Fields’ outlook as a potential starting quarterback in the NFL has deteriorated. Then again, a similar situation happened to Rodgers while he was with the Jets. His time with the Steelers this season hasn't been terrific, but he has shown that he can keep the team competitive. The same cannot be said for Fields, as he got a cash grab to join the Jets, only to ruin his reputation around the NFL.
It's unknown if New York will keep the young quarterback around following the season, but it's unlikely.
He's guaranteed $10 million next year with the Jets, but they probably want to go in a different direction. Fields probably envisions himself as a starter still and would love another shot to compete for another job next year. The issue is, there might not be many believers in him going forward.
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Fields has produced pedestrian numbers this season after nine starts with the Jets, and the organization is trying to protect jobs by turning to a more capable option in Taylor. Fields, a former backup signal caller for Pittsburgh, reestablished himself with Tomlin leading the way. He aided the Steelers to a 4-2 record before being benched for Russell Wilson last season (before everything fell apart at the end of the year).
Nothing seems to work for the former high-profile prospect.
Justin Fields possesses all of the physical tools you'd love in a franchise cornerstone at the quarterback position, but nothing has panned out. Like it or not, Tomlin was right. The correct decision was to move on from the project that Fields represented and rely on Rodgers to compete. The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't elite this season, but at least they have a better shot than if they had stuck with Fields.