Fields, the Jets’ new QB: On the road to redemption like Darnold and Mayfield?

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Jets general manager Darren Mougey believes Justin Fields has the potential to become a productive quarterback, similar to Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Mougey, in his first conversation with reporters since the April draft, expressed his confidence in Fields’ progress, although he warned that it could take time.

“I think Justin can be one of those guys,” Mougey said. “I’ve seen progress during this camp and I expect to see progress throughout the season as everyone comes together.”

Darren Mougey, Jets general manager

Mougey added that, given that Fields has been on three different teams with three different coordinators in three years, the adaptation process will require time. However, the general manager was optimistic about the quarterback’s performance.

The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract following Aaron Rodgers’ departure. Fields, selected 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, arrives after a year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets and Steelers will face off in Week 1, marking Rodgers’ return to MetLife Stadium. For Fields, this is his fourth different offensive system in five years. The difficulties were evident in the preseason, where he completed only 4 of 9 passes for 46 yards. He also ran for a 13-yard touchdown. Mougey highlighted that Fields’ biggest improvement has been in the “operation” of the entire offense.

“I’ve seen him improve every day, specifically this past week,” Mougey said. “I think we’ve really seen a good pace in practice with the offense: a balanced attack, some runs, some passes, but just the overall operation, the command, his leadership… So, seeing that growth has been very good.”

Darren Mougey, Jets general manager

Fields was named one of five captains for the season. Despite an uneven summer, Fields has received consistent support from the coaching staff, who are looking to develop his passing skills from the pocket. In four seasons, he has completed only 61% of his attempts. “I really like where Justin is with the passing concepts from the pocket,” offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand said. “He understands what we’re trying to do. He understands what we’re trying to attack, where the ball needs to go, and I think, each and every day, we’re showing progress from Justin.” The Jets don’t have a proven threat at the wide receiver or tight end position, aside from Garrett Wilson. They released Davante Adams in a move related to the salary cap and replaced him with Josh Reynolds. They hope that Mason Taylor, the second-round tight end, can be a factor in the passing game. Mougey doesn’t see the support body as a problem.

“I feel really good about the pieces around him,” he stated.

Darren Mougey, Jets general manager