Jets: Justin Fields Surprised by Bench, Aims to Be NFL Starter

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields expressed surprise at his recent benching, stating on Wednesday: “I didn’t anticipate it at all.” Fields, speaking for the first time about his situation on the bench, promised to be a starter again in the NFL, but sent mixed signals about whether he wants to stay with the Jets despite having a contract until 2026. Last week, Fields was replaced by Tyrod Taylor, who will start again on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Coach Aaron Glenn explained that the change was due to the need to improve production in the aerial attack, which currently ranks last in yards. It’s not surprising that Fields disagreed with the decision.

You can call it whatever you want, but AG thought it was justified, and he makes the decisions here.

Justin Fields

Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract in March ($30 million guaranteed), believing he would have a full season to prove he could be the team’s long-term starter. However, he was relegated to the bench for the second consecutive season. Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers replaced him in favor of Russell Wilson despite a 4-2 start. “The first day is hard,” Fields said, reflecting on the past week. “It probably took me a day and a half to fully accept my role. Then, last Friday, I sat in a moment of ‘Damn’, where it was like, ‘Yes, this is real’. “You have to see life from a positive perspective. I feel blessed to be in this position, and I know I will have another opportunity. That’s the only thing that matters at the end of the day. So, when I do, I just have to be prepared for that moment, be the best player I’ve ever been on the field.” Fields, a first-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021, has a 16-37 record as a starter, including 2-7 with the Jets. He ranks 29th out of 33 qualified passers in Total QBR, but still sees himself as a starter.

Of course. Yes, sir. I mean, I know who I am as a person, as an American football player, as a worker. I think I know that I have the mentality and the ability to achieve it. I feel like I need to do it more consistently, but that’s how it is.

Justin Fields

“It’s the ups and downs of life and I’m in a valley right now, so to speak. But it will only make me stronger in the end.” Fields has a salary of $20 million next season, including $10 million guaranteed, but his situation is uncertain. The Jets could reorganize their quarterback roster, possibly with a high draft pick and/or the acquisition of a veteran. When asked if he would be willing to return as a substitute, Fields dodged the question, saying he is only concerned with the present. Later, he added: “I’m not going to have that mentality of, ‘Oh, I was sent to the bench. I’m not going to play here.’ I think that’s a bad mentality.”