The New York Jets have taken a proactive approach this season, avoiding the mistake the Steelers made last year. Unlike Pittsburgh, where head coach Mike Tomlin delayed the quarterback decision and ended up benching Justin Fields after a short stint, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was decisive. He immediately named Fields the starting quarterback after signing him to a 2-year, $40 million contract—clearly showing confidence in his abilities. But beyond the coach’s trust, how do his new teammates feel about him?
One notable voice of support is Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens, who also joined the team this season on a 3-year, $36 million deal. Drafted by the Ravens in 2021, Stephens expressed full confidence in Fields, calling him “the right man for the job” and emphasizing his potential to lead both the offense and the team. For Stephens, the sky’s the limit with Fields at the helm.
Looking back on Fields’ career so far, he’s shown flashes of talent. In four seasons, he’s appeared in 50 games (44 as a starter), accumulating 7,780 passing yards with a 61.1% completion rate, 45 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions. On the ground, he’s rushed for 2,509 yards and 19 touchdowns, making him a dual-threat quarterback. However, his win-loss record of 14-30 doesn’t reflect his talent but rather the teams around him. The Jets now have the responsibility of building a strong foundation to support him.
After a rocky end in Pittsburgh, Fields was eager for a new opportunity. The Steelers had declined to extend his contract, making him a free agent after 2024. When they circled back during free agency, Fields chose to move forward with the Jets, unwilling to sit on the bench again. It marked the first time in his career he had to watch from the sidelines, after being a regular starter since being drafted 11th overall by the Bears in 2021.
Despite rumors that he held resentment toward the Steelers, Fields clarified that he didn’t take anything personally. He said he was simply excited about the direction the Jets were headed under Aaron Glenn and his staff, making it an easy decision to join them.
Now, the mission is clear: end the Jets’ playoff drought, which dates back to 2010. If Fields and Glenn can guide the team to the postseason, it would be a huge milestone—not just for the franchise, but for Fields’ redemption story in the NFL.