Are the Jets Setting up Justin Fields for Success?
Justin Fields is the newest quarterback for the New York Jets, the 34th starting all-time for the team since the departure of Joe Namath in 1976. Fields has had quite the career so far, being the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. After three seasons in Chicago where he would throw for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, both sides would part ways after the 2023 season. Fields would find himself as the backup for the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing behind quarterback Russell Wilson. Unfortunately for Wilson, he would be injured to start the season which provided Fields the opportunity to start the first six games of the year. He would throw for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and only one interception. The Steelers would go 4-2 during this time, but would ultimately decide to bench Fields once Wilson became healthy. The Steelers would choose to allow Fields to become a free agent, where he would be signed by the New York Jets.
The Jets have had a massive overhaul to its team, after the firing of head coach Robert Saleh and parting ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, would become the Jets head coach in the offseason. The team has stated they believe in Fields for the future, with all the potential in the world to become a star. Fields has proven his ability to run the football at an all-star rate, while his passing ability is still looking to be fully developed. Glenn has taken the lead to be the coach to develop Fields, and also get the quarterback some help.
With their seventh overall pick, the Jets would select offensive tackle Armand Membou. The former Missouri standout is expected to be a week one starter, and a massive improvement to the Jets offensive line. The team would also select two offensive weapons in the draft for Fields to develop with, one being tight end Mason Taylor from LSU and wide receiver Arian Smith from Georgia. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson will also return this season for New York, being a valuable receiving target for Fields. While the Jets have struggled in quarterback development before, they are making the first steps to get it right this time around.
