Fields, heading to Mayfield and Darnold? Jets GM believes in the QB

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, although he warns that this will take time.

Potential and Patience for Fields

Mougey, speaking for the first time since the April draft, expressed his confidence in Fields. “I think Justin can be one of those players,” he stated. “I’ve seen progress during this camp and I expect to see progress during the season as everyone comes together.” The general manager highlighted the difficulty of Fields’ situation, who has had three different coordinators in three years. “Obviously, it’s his third stop in three years with three different coordinators and many moving parts, so it takes time,” added Mougey. “But I like where he is and I look forward to seeing the progress.”

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 four of nine passes for 46 yards, with no attempts of more than nine air yards. However, he managed a 13-yard touchdown after escaping a collapsed protection pocket. Mougey highlighted Fields’ improvement 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 rhythm 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 really good.” On Thursday, Fields was named one of the five captains for the season. Despite an uneven summer, Fields has received consistent support from the coaching staff, who are trying to develop his skills as a drop-back passer. In four seasons, he has completed only 61% of his attempts.

“I really like where Justin is with the drop-back passing concepts,” 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, every day, we’re seeing progress from Justin.”

Tanner Engstrand

In addition to Garrett Wilson, the Jets do not have a proven threat at the wide receiver or tight end position. They released Davante Adams in a move related to the salary cap and replaced him with veteran Josh Reynolds. They hope that second-round tight end Mason Taylor can be a factor in the passing game. Mougey doesn’t see the support staff as a problem. “I feel very good about the pieces around him,” he stated.